Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Reports of STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are on the rise in Los Angeles County, and the community of Norwalk, CA is not immune to this growing epidemic.
According to a report by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the county saw nearly 180 reported cases of gonorrhea in 2016, of which 108 were from Norwalk, CA. The report also reveals that the county had more than 33 reported cases of syphilis, of which nearly 27 were from the city of Norwalk.
According to the California Department of Health STD data, there were more than 64,300 reported cases of chlamydia in 2017 in Los Angeles County, excluding the cities of Long Beach and Pasadena, which the study reported separately.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health considers HIV a “significant public health concern,” and states that more than 50,000 people within the county are living with HIV.
There are several public health care facilities in Norwalk, CA that might offer STD and HIV testing. Many of these clinics are located along Firestone Boulevard, including Wesley Health Centers, FPA Women’s Health, and Norwalk Regional Health Center.
In addition to public clinics, there are numerous private physicians and medical facilities in Norwalk that may provide STD testing. The majority of these facilities are located close to I-5. If you travel just a few miles west, you may find additional clinics in Bellflower.
Some of these clinics and health care centers might offer free STD testing. While this may be a good option for some, it’s important to realize that these facilities may only accept walk-in appointments, which could result in long wait times, and you may not have access to immediate test results.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2Â provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.Â
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.Â
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.Â
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.Â
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.Â
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is a non-profit agency that has over 30 years of experience in offering comprehensive health-care to PLWHA in about 40 states globally. It’s staffed with physicians who are competent in offering HIV screening and treatment. Clinicians may utilize finger sticks to conduct HIV tests, and clients may have to wait for roughly a minute to receive results.
All Family Wellness Center is a medical facility that offers health-care services to women and their families living in Lakewood, CA, and its adjacent communities. Some of the services available include free family planning, ultrasounds, vaccinations, and pediatric care. Clinicians also administer precise STD screening.
STD Free Los Angeles is a health center that offers standard sexual health-care services to improve the quality of reproductive health of individuals living in Los Angeles, CA, and neighboring communities. It’s staffed with medical practitioners who are competent in pap smear testing, pregnancy screening, and availing family planning services. Quality STD screening and treatment are also available.
Planned Parenthood - Lakewood Health Center of Lakewood, CA, is a medical facility that offers all-embracing health-care services to residents of Lakewood, CA, and its vicinity, including Norwalk, CA. Clients may receive standard STD evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment services. UTI testing and treatment, hormone replacement therapy, cervical cancer screening, and immunizations are some other services physicians are skilled in handling.
County of Los Angeles Public Health is a medical facility whose aim is to advance and safeguard the health of Los Angeles County residents. It has physicians who are proficient in offering services such as immunizations and screening and treatment of Influenza and Tuberculosis. Clients may also receive STD screening accompanied by appropriate treatment measures.
MedPost Urgent Care is a medical facility that offers extensive health-care services to the people residing in Cerritos, CA, and adjacent areas, including Norwalk. It has physicians who are experienced in offering services such as pediatric care, immunizations, and diabetes management as well as treatment of nausea and bladder infections. Clients may also get STD screening and treatment.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Accredited and Certified
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Closed for lunch Mon-Fri 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Closed for lunch Mon-Fri, 12noon-1pm
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus.
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: photo ID. Fees for services are based on your household income. You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay. Services under some insurance plans and physician groups require prior authorization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available. Walk in hours are Mon.-Fri., 8am-3:30pm and Sat., 8am-3pm
Description: Social Service Organization. If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: photo ID. Fees for services are based on your household income. You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay. By appointment only Tuesdays
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Social Service Organization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available
Description: Pavilions Pharmacy.
Description: Community Based Organization. Tarzana Treatment Centers provides integrated health care services for HIV positive individuals. Services include primary care, mental health and substance abuse treatment, housing, transportation, and more.
Description: Saturday hours subject to change
Since this suburban neighborhood is considered part of the greater LA metro area health officials expect to see high STD rates, but even they were surprised by the recent statistics released by the CDC.
Over a twenty year span the number of sexually transmitted diseases reported in Norwalk each year has been steadily increasing. Since 2010 the rates for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis have been higher than state and national averages, and show no signs of decreasing any time soon.
Even though proactive steps are being taken in the state, this suburban neighborhood still has one of the highest rates of infection. In a four year period the rates for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Syphilis almost doubled, and statistics also show that Herpes is still a major health concern in public schools.
Statistics also indicate that teens and young adults are among those with the highest risk, but older males are testing positive for primary and secondary Syphilis more often in recent years. While Chlamydia is a major health risk for women, in recent years Gonorrhea has become a bigger problem for men. As the rates for this STD drop in women, it is quickly increasing in young men.
The statistics do include some good news for the suburb, HIV/AIDS rates are decreasing. Fewer residents are testing positive for the virus each year, which is helping to lower the percentage of residents who are living with the disease. Once everyone understands how important testing is, the area could see the rest of the STD rates also begin to decrease. Some of the data that indicates how important regular testing is includes,
Medical practitioners offer HIV testing free of charge, but if you need the services, you have to present a valid photo ID to the staff.
The medical team provides accurate HIV services at no cost. Additionally, you may contact an HIV care provider via phone call. Moreover, doctors work with confidentiality while offering health-care services.
15141 Whittier Blvd Ste 260, Whittier, CA 90605, USA
Health-care providers may offer inexpensive STD services to everyone, and payment options for self-pay clients include cash, credit cards, checks, and debit cards. Also, the staff may bill some health plans, including but not limited to Medi-Cal and Family PACT.
To receive health care, you may choose to reserve an appointment or walk into the clinic. Also, the medical team works competently to provide quality and confidential medical care. Moreover, the staff may provide health-care services by appointment on some Saturdays to accommodate clients with compact weekday schedules.
15747 Woodruff Ave, Bellflower, CA 90706, USA
Whether you're insured or not, you may be eligible for free STD testing.
The medical team accepts walk-in clients but you may also book an appointment on the clinic’s website or by calling a medical practitioner. The clinic is open six days a week and for extended hours to efficiently serve clients. Also, you may receive STD screening services at a zero cost.
1435 Vermont Ave #100A, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
Health-care providers offer STD services at a sliding scale rate, and patients who are unable to cater to their bills may qualify for a state-funded program. Additionally, the staff bill some insurances, including Medicaid and Medi-CAL, and uninsured people may use credit/debit cards or cash to make payments.
Depending on your schedule, you may either book an appointment or walk into the clinic to receive STD services. Additionally, physicians offer STD services on Saturdays to accommodate individuals with compact weekday schedules. Also, you may get telephone interpretation services if you’re unable to communicate in either English or Spanish.
5525 Del Amo Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713, USA
Physicians may offer zero-cost STD services to anyone without discrimination against income levels or insurance statuses.
The medical team offers standard and discreet medical services. Additionally, you may communicate with a physician via phone call to schedule an appointment. Also, the medical team may offer services on Saturdays to attend to the health-care needs of individuals with busy weekday schedules.
12440 Imperial Hwy #519, Norwalk, CA 90650, USA
Physicians offer STD testing at reduced self-pay payment rates, and clients may cater to bills using cash or credit cards. Also, if you’re insured, a medical practitioner may bill your coverage.
The staff offers follow-up services to assess how clients are faring after receipt of health-care services. Additionally, you may call a health-care provider to book an appointment. Also, doctors are present seven days a week to provide extensive medical care.
13299 South St, Cerritos, CA 90703, USA
In response to the rising STD rates across the state, California now requires all public primary and secondary schools to offer sexual education classes to students grades 7 through12. While it has been mandatory that public schools provide current information on HIV/AIDS, it has always left it up to the individual districts to decide what else is included in the program.
This new law, which went into effect in January 2016, has made it easier for teens to get the information they need to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases. Parents still have the option to sign their children out of the classes in middle and high school, but health officials are hopeful that the majority of students will be allowed to participate.
The new sex education program is designed to meet the needs of students, and will cover everything from the use of contraceptives to the importance of regular HIV testing in Norwalk. With statistics showing that HIV incidents are already down, health officials are hopeful that the new program might be able to finally stop the virus from spreading to other residents. Regular Herpes testing in Norwalk is also discussed and its importance stressed in an ongoing effort to stop the spread of the virus in area high schools.
Even though it is considered a part of metro LA and this affect the number of STDs reported each year, this is not the only reason the suburban community has such a high rate of infection.
Norwalk is a densely populated neighborhood with few health resources, which can make it difficult for residents to be tested. This can be a particular problem for lower income families who simply cannot afford a visit to a health care professional, unless it is an emergency.
A recent survey also found that residents in the area are less likely to be tested regularly, and this is due to several factors. An inability to pay or find transportation to a health clinic plays a role, but the biggest obstacle is the fact that many residents simply believe that a STD can never happen to them. Some of the sexually transmitted infections do not display immediate symptoms, which makes it easy to spread the viruses without even realizing it.
While the recent changes to the sexual education programs in the public schools are designed to help address some of these factors, it is still up to residents to take responsibility for their own health. This includes being tested for all transmittable diseases on a regular basis, regardless of your sexual activity.
Close to downtown LA and Long Beach, there is never a shortage of things to do and see in and around Norwalk. While it’s easy to get lost in the glamour and excitement of the city, this does not mean that it’s okay to forget about your sexual health. It is understandable that you don’t want to spend your day waiting in long lines, and now you don’t have to if you make one simple phone call. You can easily schedule confidential STD testing and only spend a few minutes at a local lab, which still gives you plenty of time to enjoy your day around town.
Reference:
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-std-testing-20160124-story.html
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
