Preferred Location: Change location
Preferred Location: Change location
The San Francisco Bay Area is an exciting place, having to deal with rising STD rates is a bit less exciting though. While Santa Clara County says their rate of new HIV cases has stabilized, other STD rates are starting to ramp up. South Bay public health officials claim the rates of gonorrhea and syphilis both have quadrupled since 2010. They’re taking these numbers seriously, with Santa Clara County Public Health Department pushing for improved testing in jails and emergency rooms. As well as urging primary care physicians in Sunnyvale and beyond to make sure they’re screening for STIs.
The rate of chlamydia in Santa Clara County rose to 394.2 out of every 100,000 people tested, the highest it’s been in five years. The age group most affected is young women in their teens and 20s.
Gonorrhea, in 2017, was reported at a rate of 126.6 cases per 100,000 tested. That’s over double the rate just four years earlier. Primary and secondary syphilis for Santa Clara clocked in at 11 cases per 100,000 in 2017, showing the same upward swinging trend as the other tracked STDs.Â
If you’re in the South Bay area and looking for testing options, here are a few affordable locations to consider. Some might even offer free STD testing to eligible patients. Call and make an appointment for lab testing through MayView Community Health Center on Morse Avenue. Or check out one of Sunnyvale’s confidential STD testing centers, Quest Diagnostics, on El Camino Real or West Fremont Avenue. If you’re able to make the drive, cheap HIV and STI testing is available in San Jose at The Crane Center on Lenzen Avenue. There’s also a Planned Parenthood on San Antonio Road in Mountain View.Â
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Sunnyvale clinics with our easy-to-read chart.Â
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
The Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center has been in operation since March 1, 1981. Their goal is to provide numerous different programs and opportunities for members of the LGBTQ community. They want to improve this special community with better health opportunities. As a result, this will transform communities to be healthier, stronger, and more independent. This center does not discriminate due to background or age. The center’s services and resources are available to everyone.
The Center for Adolescent Health operates the Teen and Young Adult Clinic at Stanford Children’s Health. The Center for Adolescent Health provides medical services for teenagers and young adults between 12-26 years old. The teen and young adult clinic provide health services such as checkups, cold treatment, sexually transmitted infection testing, and health counseling. Stanford Children’s Health is the only health care system in the San Francisco Bay region that is solely focused on pediatric and obstetric care.
Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, MayView Community Health Center wants to help people get access to medical care for themselves and their entire family. The health center focuses on prevention, patient engagement, and education. This health center was founded in 1972 and dedicated its services around underserved women in Silicon Valley. Since then, they have grown and now provide numerous other services that aim to protect everyone in the Silicon Valley area. They have services such as adult health, behavioral health, children’s health, family health, and immunizations and vaccinations.
North East Medical Services is unique in the sense that they are one of the largest community health centers in the nation that specifically provides their medical services to the underserved Asian population in the San Jose area. They’re a non-profit organization that aims to be culturally sensitive while still providing excellent care. Their health services are available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Toishan, Vietnamese, Burmese, Korean, Spanish, and Hindi.
The San Jose Central Health Center is operated by the Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. This Planned Parenthood has 35 health centers. Within these 35 health centers, they provide access to superior modestly priced medical care for more than 220,000 women, men, and children on an annual basis throughout mid-California and Northern Nevada. Patients may have to wait before their appointment, but with good on-site customer service, their patients will feel welcomed and cared for. Men coming to this clinic location will be listened too and get the same excellent health care quality as women do by their team of doctors and nurses.
The Santa Clara Public Health Department aims to provide a healthier environment for present and future residents. The department protects and improves the quality of life for all of its residents. Some of their popular services include STD and HIV testing and support, women, infants, and children (WIC) services, travel and immunization services, and their child passenger safety program. Their core values include excellence, equity, diversity and collaboration, accountability, and integrity.
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: The clinic is closed from 12noon-1pm every day. Open 4th Tues. of the month at 1pm-5pm
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: The clinic is closed from 12noon-1pm every day. 4th Tuesday of every month open 1pm--5pm
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. Fees for services are based on household income.
Description: Need to register as a patient.
Description: Must register as a patient to receive services. TB Testing not offered in Thursdays
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: 4th Tuesday of every month open 1pm-5pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department. Please visit website for drop-in testing schedule
Local physicians, hospitals and STD testing clinics are involved in a collaborative effort with the Center for Disease Control and local health departments. Every time a client receives STD testing, the results are recorded and forwarded to the appropriate departments for inclusion in a nationwide database. Analysts compile and organize the data to help establish who is at the greatest risk for particular STDs. No personal information is shared that could breach confidentiality. Demographic information including sex, age, race, income bracket, area of residence and testing results is the only information that is shared. This is used in tracking trends in infection rates to identify who is the most at risk for certain sexually transmitted diseases. This in turn helps in designing effective educational campaigns for getting the word out about STDs and why testing is important. The following statistics show the percentages of persons infected with specific types of STDs per 100,000 in population.
These statistics are only representative of the populations that have followed through with the process of STD testing. There are many out there who should be tested, but sadly, may not know the peril that they are facing by avoiding testing. Health Department analysts believe that if everyone who is at risk for sexually transmitted disease infection would get tested, the numbers would actually be much higher.
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center of Silicon Valley does not have qualifications in order for people to get HIV testing done at their center. People that want written results will need to bring photo identification via a valid state or government ID. Those wishing to stay anonymous do not need to bring an ID but results are only given verbally not written out.
Newcomers to the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center will feel welcomed. With their large facility, great location, and many available parking spaces, people that visit this center will feel comfortable and at home. Their medical staff will take the time to listen to any healthcare questions or concerns people have and will not make anyone feel rushed. In addition to their support and social groups, people can come out and join any of their community events in order to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, the center, and the services the center provides.
938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, USA
There are no qualifications besides to be between the ages of 12-26 to have access to STD testing that the teen and young adult clinic provides.
The Center for Adolescent Health not only operates the teen and young adult clinic but also a comprehensive eating disorders program, pediatric and adolescent gender clinic, pediatric weight clinic, and a teen van. The teen and young adult clinic is a Family PACT clinic meaning they provide no-cost family planning services to low-income men, women, and teenagers. Teenagers and young adults can also get condoms, pills, shots, patches, or vaginal rings at this medical care clinic.
1195 W Fremont Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94087, USA
There are no qualifications for people to get their STD testing done at this testing location.
The MayView Community Health Center believes through patient engagement, healing can take place. Patients can expect staff members at this clinic to listen and understand your health goals and concerns. This health center accepts new patients that have insurance through Medicare, Medi-Cal, Santa Clara Family Health Plan, and Blue Cross Health Plan. The MayView Community Health Center aims to be a strong leader in health care as their staff is fluent in more than 15 languages.
785 Morse Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA
The individual must enroll as a patient before they can participate in any of the medical services.
North East Medical Services provides basic primary care services, STD testing and treatment, women’s health care services, family planning, and specialty care services such as acupuncture, endocrinology, hepatology, podiatry, and radiology. With North East Medical Services, providing care throughout 12 clinics locations patients will find their care to be top-notch provided by educated and trained medical professionals.
1870 Lundy Ave, San Jose, CA 95131, USA
There are no qualifications in order to get your STD testing done at this clinic location. However, if applicable you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. These are based on household income so the proof will be needed if you quality.
Visitors of the San Jose Health Center will find their staff to be highly skilled, knowledgeable, and sympathetic. Their trained staff can interpret Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog.
1691 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, USA
All those wishing to be tested for STD’s including HIV must be a resident of Santa Clara. In addition, STD testing is only available for those 12 years old or older.
Residents must go to the Crane Center to receive their free testing. This service is free for adults and youth above the age of 12. For those that test positive for Hepatitis B through an alternative clinic, can take part in the departments Hepatitis B care program. In addition, those not yet diagnosed can take part in their prevention program. Hepatitis B testing is not available at this clinic location.
660 S Fair Oaks Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA
The increase of STD rates in the area is an issue that requires ongoing attention and action. Health department officials and legislators developed a plan for reaching young people just prior to the age at which some of them will begin sexual experimentation. Mandatory sexual health education courses are provided in the public schools. Students learn about the risks of unprotected sex including unwanted pregnancy and the risk of getting an STD. They also learn about the signs and symptoms of specific diseases and how to prevent contracting them. Upon completion, students will know where to go in the area for a Herpes test or for HIV testing among other types.
Sunnyvale is made up of people from all walks of life, rich, poor, and people who are in between. It is acknowledged that the high percentage of families at or below the poverty level has a definite impact upon the growing STD rates. This is largely because people who have fewer resources are less likely to receive the education and information required to realize their risk for STD infections. Fewer resources can also mean that there is not enough money for STD testing fees and any needed follow up treatment. In addition, there is often a lack of information about their risk and they may not realize the scope of the problem. Some types of STD infections may present few or no symptoms at the initial onset. This often leads to one person spreading it to another with a domino effect in society.
Even though there are free STD testing centers available for those who qualify according to the income guidelines, many still do not know that this resource exists. Another obstacle is the issue of funding. Most often, free or reduced cost services are available on a first come, first served basis. When funding runs out for the fiscal year or cycle, there are potential clients in need of testing who will have to wait until the fnds are replenished. During the waiting period, they may pass the STD on to others or experience significant health problems as a result of waiting for testing and or treatment.
There are people who may be embarrassed to visit a clinic for STD testing because they are afraid of who may see them there. Every effort is made to ensure that each client is treated with respect and that they receive private and confidential STD testing.
Chlamydia is highest in females who have nearly double the rate than men. People who are 20 to 24 years of are have the highest numbers followed by those 15 to 19, then 25 to 29 with the third highest rates. It is highest in Blacks followed by Whites, then Hispanics.
Gonorrhea is a little higher in men than in women. Recent trends show that the numbers are highest among males in the 20 to 24 group, followed by those 25 to 29, then 15 to 19. Blacks lead the numbers with Whites second and Hispanic populations have the third highest rates. Syphilis is higher in men in the age 20 to 24 group followed by 25 to 29, 45 to 54 and the fourth highest rates are seen in the 30 to 34 age group.
If you have had unprotected sex with a partner whose monogamy cannot be confirmed then you are at risk for STD infection. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take measures to protect your sexual health. Private and confidential STD testing is easy to order and it only takes a few moments of your time to visit a local testing lab. Friendly and professional staff area available to help you complete the process so your results will be on their way. They can answer any questions that you might have so you can enjoy greater peace of mind.
Reference:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/stats14/tables/7.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/std/products/infographics.htm
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.
