Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and primary syphilis have been on the rise among L. A’s South Bay cities. The rising rates of transmissions are attributed to the continued practice of unprotected and the improved electronic reporting of new incidences by health facilities.
According to a 2014 CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report, Los Angeles County recorded a 27% increase in rates of gonorrhea, 16% rise in syphilis cases, and 4% spike in chlamydia cases.
The South Bay Cities, CA have some of the highest HIV rates in L. A, contributing to the 1,820 new HIV diagnoses reported in the county in 2014. County officials say the increase is owed to increased use of emergency pills, including nPEP and PEP drugs that compel people not to use condoms.
On a rather worrying note, the CDC also confirmed that transmission rates of congenital syphilis shot by 62%.
STD testing, use of condoms, and non-penetrative sexual escapades are deemed as practical means of preventing HIV and STDs. L.A County Health has over 14 medical clinics that may provide free STD testing on chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, including the RAPID HIV test. However, you’ll have to experience inconvenient visit hours.
Other public health centers include LGBTQ clinics that offer sexual health services to the LGBTQ community. You may also visit non-profitable clinics and urgent care centers that may provide walk-in options and extensive HIV/ STD testing services.
If you’re not in a hurry for the test result, you can visit the local medical labs which may offer the results with a 3-day timeframe.
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
It is almost impossible to at least not be familiar with the name Planned Parenthood. They are leaders in research concerning sexual health care. Some may think they only perform one service but nothing is further from the truth.
You can easily get tested for sexually transmitted infections here. You also have the advantage of having a counselor to talk to when results are in.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Torrance Health Center) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The South Bay Family Healthcare Center (Redondo Beach Clinic) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Urgent Care Center of South Bay is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The South Bay Family Healthcare Center (Dr Claudia Hampton Clinic) is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
The Torrance Urgent Care is taking steps to lower the number of STDs in their community. One step they are taking is to offer testing at the majority of their clinics. There are three in the county that do so, right now.
Testing is done by a qualified technicians and experienced counselors are also on hand. You should expect to wait up to a week before learning your STD status.
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: HIV self testing can be requested or can be tested at the main clinic at 4004 Beyer Blvd
Description: Closed for lunch: 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: Social Service Organization.
Description: FHCSD is the largest provider of HIV and hepatitis treatment and prevention services in the region. PrEP referrals and Insurance Enrollment available. Closed from 12:30pm-1:30pm daily for lunch
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: Call to schedule a time to pick-up your HIV self-test (at-home) kit
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Payment is by cash, check, debit or credit card. $40.00 fee covers testing, treatment, vaccinations, lab work, in-stock medications and any follow-up visit within 30 days of exam. The fee may be waived if you are unable to pay. The clinics do not accept insurance.
Description: Need to register as a patient. Saturday by appointment only. Thur. evening hours by appointment 5pm-7:30pm
Description: Closed for lunch: 12:15pm-1:15pm
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. 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: Need to register as a patient. Saturday by appointment only. Mon. & Tue. evening hours 5pm-7:30pm
Description: Closed for lunch from 12:30am-1:15pm. Call for HIV testing hours
Comprised of several neighborhoods and located primarily in Los Angeles County, South Bay Cities is seeing higher than average STD rates. Recent statistics indicate that this scenic area might have some of the prettiest beaches in the state, but it is also dealing with an increasing number of sexually transmitted diseases each year.
Not only are Chlamydia and Gonorrhea rates higher than the state’s average, but primary and secondary Syphilis incidents are also increasing at an alarming rate. Thought to be under control twenty years ago, Syphilis is now showing up in a large number of adult males.
It is not just teens and young adults who are at risk for contracting a STD, but older residents are also testing positive for at least one sexually transmitted disease more often. Statistics also show that it is no longer uncommon for a patient to test positive for more than one STD at time, which has health officials truly alarmed.
Even though Syphilis rates have remained reassuringly low in females over the past ten years, this does not mean that women are not at risk. Men previously accounted for very few annual cases of Gonorrhea, and now have one of the highest rates in the state. Some of the other statistics that indicate the need for regular STD testing include,
If you call ahead you might be able to get in that day. You can also go online and look through their availability calendar and find a time that is best for you.
Anyone over 14 can get an appointment. without bringing their parents. Calling ahead can also get you enrolled in a plan that will help cover testing expenses.
You can everything from Pep and PrEP at Planned Parenthood. Free condoms are also available for men and women. After all these years, the organization is still at the forefront when it comes to protecting your sexual health.
14623 Hawthorne Blvd #300, Lawndale, CA 90260, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Torrance Health Center) might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
711 W Del Amo Blvd, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2114 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA 90278, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Urgent Care Center of South Bay might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
4305 Torrance Blvd STE 106, Torrance, CA 90503, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
South Bay Family Healthcare Center (Dr Claudia Hampton Clinic) might be an urgent care clinic but they also handle STDs. They have a close partnership with an accredited lab so you won't have to wait long for results from your test.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
1091 South La Brea Ave, Inglewood, CA 90301, USA
Testing isn't free, but they do accept insurance and Medicaid. During your phone call the staff can help you apply for financial assistance if you need it and don't have any yet.
Anyone over 14 can come in. The fees are often on a sliding scale. If you need help paying, ask before you go in.
Check the wait time online and go in at your convenience. They also have ample free parking, if you choose to drive.
2195 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501, USA
New laws concerning sexual education in public schools have gone into effect in hopes of finally slowing and lowering the STD rates in the area. With the number of sexually transmitted diseases increasing each year, state and city leaders realized that steps needed to be taken to teach the public how to protect themselves and stop the spread of STDs.
While not all parents are happy with the new sexual education programs, there is no denying that it can have positive results. In areas where public schools already had a comprehensive and medically accurate program in place, the number of sexually transmitted diseases was dramatically lower.
The programs will cover how all STDs are spread, including the Herpes virus which is a common problem in most high schools, and the proper way to use contraceptives.
Studies have shown that when teens and young adults have the information they need to make smart decisions, their chances of contracting a STD are dramatically reduced. This does not mean that it is not important to also get checked on a regular basis. Regular Herpes testing in South Bay Cities can prevent the virus from spreading in area schools, and it is an important part of taking care of your overall health. Regular HIV testing in South Bay Cities is also important, and the simple test could help save your life.
This area has a unique demographical makeup due to the multiple neighborhoods spread out over several miles, and while this is one of the advantages to living in the area it is also contributing to the high STD rates.
With the neighborhoods spread out it can be difficult for health officials to reach everyone, and there are also language barriers that are also adding to the problem. Since health officials cannot easily inform everyone about the importance of getting tested for all sexually transmitted diseases, the number of incidents will continue to increase.
The large number of pristine beaches also draws a large number of visitors, which can also contribute to rising STD rates. Many of the tourists may not even realize that they are infected, making it even easier for them to spread the virus.
Recent economic cutbacks have made it difficult for many residents to be able to afford regular testing, and there is also a shortage of neighborhood health facilities. With little money and no place to go for affordable health care, it’s not uncommon for residents to simply hope that they are careful enough that they won’t contract a sexually transmitted disease.
Until residents have a convenient and affordable way to get screened for sexually transmitted diseases, health officials can continue to expect the STD rates to go up even with the new education programs in place.
Before you hit the beach or explore one of the fascinating neighborhoods, it is important to remember to take care of your sexual health. The number of sexually transmitted diseases is rising each year, and you can still be at risk no matter how careful you are. There are a few neighborhood clinics open to the public, but if you want to avoid the long lines and potential embarrassment of running into a familiar face there is an easier way to get tested. Now you can schedule confidential STD testing with one simple phone call and only spend 20 minutes or so at a local lab, this will still give you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day along the coast.
Reference:
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/se/
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.
