Preferred Location: 1 Daniel Burnham Ct Suite 391c San Francisco,CA 94109 Cathedral Hill Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 1 Daniel Burnham Ct Suite 391c San Francisco,CA 94109 Cathedral Hill Change Location
The state and San Francisco County reported 218,728 chlamydia cases, 75,372 gonorrhea cases, and 13,719 early syphilis cases last year. These three STDs are the most commonly reported, with rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia taking the top places for rates of prevalence.
The rate of chlamydia in 2017 was 505.2 cases per 100,000 residents and gonorrhea reached 190.3 cases per 100,000. This was a 9% increase for chlamydia and a 16% increase for gonorrhea from previous year reports.
2017 data showed an increase of 45% since 2013. In 2017 over 300,000 cases of the three most common sexually transmitted diseases โ syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia โ were reported across the state.
Number one priority for decreasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases lies in regular testing for all sexually active persons. Groups like the San Francisco University Health Promotion and Wellness are working to promote safer sex practices and regular testing, along with providing educational opportunities, free STD testing and counseling for those who have tested positive.
San Francisco has many testing locations throughout the city. A few of the available testing options include: the San Francisco Department of Public Health on Golden Gate Avenue, the Mission Neighborhood Health Center on Mission Street, and the Westside Community Services on 11th Street.
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 CDC2ย 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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
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.ย
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Opening in 2003, Magnet has believed that everyone is entitled to make their own decisions concerning their health and wellness. They feel that everyone has the right to access health care. They also believe that this will result in a stronger community.
Most tests will have your results back to you in 48 hours. If you choose a rapid HIV test, which is often recommended, you will know withing 20 minutes.
Strut provides free sexual health services, so that you don't have to worry. They want you to be able to safely have sex, while also being confident about your health.
Working with the nearby university, they have a full staff of doctors and other medical personnel. They also offer a variety of tests so you can get results back in a few minutes or a couple days.
The Alliance Health Project wants everyone to have a fulfilling and happy sex life. They work with several community organizations and exist mainly on donations. This helps to keep testing and other services free.
You will only find counselors and technicians here. They do not have the resources to have full time physicians on staff. All tests are sent to an outside lab. It could take up to two weeks before you learn your status.
Their mission, since 1911, is to improve the sexual health of the community. Whether it is a vaccination, testing or treatment. The SF City Clinic offers low-cost and free testing, which is performed by qualified clinicians.
Once you had the test, results will be available in 48 hours. Rapid HIV testing is also an option. This is recommended if you believe that you are at risk.
New Generation Health Center is affiliated with UCSF so you have the advantage of being seen by highly qualified physicians. You also get the benefit of their cutting edge research that works to improve the health of young girls and women.
One of the services they provide is Rapid and standard testing for transmittable sexual infections. Thanks to the connected lab, you can learn if you have a problem in anywhere from 20 minutes to 48 hours.
Planned Parenthood is a name you know. Their clinics have been trusted for decades to provide quality healthcare.
Their professional staff is made up of physicians, counselors, clinicians, along with support personnel. They have always been leading the way in research to provide better care for their clients. This includes testing and treatment for a number of infections that are usually spread through sexual contact.
Call our Expert Care Advisors at
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
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.
Description: Closed from 12noon-1pm daily
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
Description: Community Based Organization. Specialize in providing care and support for men who have sex with men (MSM), Transgender women, and any one at high risk for HIV. The HIV Counseling, Testing, and Linkages (CTL) Program offers free, rapid, confidential HIV tests. Call for HIV testing schedule
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Community Based Organization. Ages 12 and up. In response to the outbreak of the respiratory illness, coronavirus (COVID-19), AHP is taking steps to ensure the safety of clients, staff, and community. Until further notice, the following services are suspended: Mobile HIV/HCV/STD testing;
drop-in for people seeking behavioral health services (phone appointments only). Call or visit website for updates.
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: Commercial Organization. this is business address, no mail received here. Please check website for mailing address
Description: Sat., closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
Description: Community Based Organization.
Description: Social Service Organization. Closed from 12pm-1pm M,T,TH,F
Description: Community Based Organization. Must be 24 or under. Free condoms available. Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm and doors close at 4pm
Description: Eligibility Specialist On-site. Appointments highly recommended, Drop-in subject to availability. Free HIV Testing, Counseling, and Benefits Navigation. Trans & GNC Folx can get $20 Visa Gift Cards after HIV Testing and $100 after 6-month PrEP uptake. closed for lunch daily at 12noon-1pm
Description: Safeway Pharmacy.
San Francisco is one of Americaโs most iconic cities, known for its personality, art scene and, of course, itโs sex-positive activism. San Francisco is well known for being especially gay friendly and its sex-positive attitude. Areas of the city are popular tourist destinations for those who enjoy adult entertainment as well as those who enjoy breathtaking natural scenery. As a cultural, financial and business hub, San Francisco attracts business leaders, celebrities, artists, financiers, tourists and visitors from all over the world. With such an eclectic mixture of people, itโs no wonder that local STD rates and sexual education are a top priority for the city.
Top STD Testing Locations in San Francisco, CA
Primary Item (H2)You must be there one hour before closing time, if you do not have an appointment. One can be made by calling the clinic directly.
No one is turned away if they cannot afford the initial costs. You may have to meet certain guidelines for free services.
Magnet is part of the S.F. AIDS Foundation and works to bring awareness to the community. The provide several services that include testing and limited treatment for diseases that are transmitted through sexual contact.
The staff promises to treat everyone with dignity and respect, no matter the reason you are visiting the clinic.
470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
The flags waving proudly out front, indicate who the clinic caters to but everyone is welcome regardless of sexual orientation.
You can come in for testing but you must be there 60 minutes before closing. Most tests are free and this includes treatment. You can make a donation or use you state issued insurance.
Strut believes that everyone has the right to information and resources concerning their health and well-being in a respectful manner. This includes access to information and resources that are culturally appropriate, meaningful, and available regardless of ability a client's to pay.
The center has a large and comfortable waiting room and also sponsors events throughout the community.
470 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA
Come right in anytime the clinic is open. Testing is always free. You can also call the clinic and see if you can make an appointment. Sometimes they accept these during non drop in times. Services are still free, regardless of how you choose to come in.
All ages, 13 and up, are welcome. Your visit will also be confidential.
The Alliance Health Project is working to remove the stigma that often comes with a positive HIV test. They also provide community services that include education and PrEP. You can drop in during the evening hours or call ahead and see if they can get you in earlier. All services are free, unfortunately this does not include treatment.
1930 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
Opened to serve the bay area community, no one is turned away. Anyone, 13 years and older is encouraged to come in for a free STD and HIV test. While, the staff will discuss the advantages of including an HIV test, you often do have to request it.
City Clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases. It is the City's only municipal based STD Clinic. They provide confidential and low cost services to everyone over the age of 12. Your ability to pay will not prevent you from getting the testing and care your need.
Since this is the bay area, which is populated by a diverse mix of cultures. Their staff speaks not only English and Spanish, but Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin and even Tagalog. They want to ensure that no matter who you are, you are able to fully understand your diagnosis.
356 7th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
One thing that you should remember is that this is strictly a clinic for girls and women. Men can call and find out where they need to go.
One thing that sets the clinic apart is that it does not accept private insurance. They do accept FamilyPACT and Medi-Cal. You just need to call to see if you qualify.
New Generation Health Center is part of UCSF. This means that you have access to quality health care that is provided by some of the leading researchers and physicians in the country.
5 Nobel laureates are associated with the clinic, all specialists in almost every aspect of health. Dedicated to serving teens and women, they are continuing to improve health care for all females.
2500 18th St 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
Visit their website or call the center directly. This way you can get an appointment, and find out if you qualify for one of their reduced rate programs. If you already receive assistance from the state, this could mean that you already qualify.
Planned Parenthood has been in the news lately and not always for their benefit. However, this hasn't stopped them from continuing their mission to provide quality care for men and women's sexual health.
You will find the staff warm and welcoming, there are even translators available if you let them know in advance.
1650 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
With a year round population of more than 800,000 people, San Francisco is the fourth most populated city in California and the 14th most populated city in the United States. Itโs also a popular tourist destination, though statistics on STDs and tourism remain difficult to find due to the nature of testing and reporting. According to the San Francisco Health Department, there has been an increase across the board when it comes to cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis. When compared to rates a few decades ago, cases of chlamydia has more than doubled and there has been an increase of over 400% in cases of syphilis reported in 2013 as compared to 1994.
While chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis may be at the forefront of STD reports nationwide, San Francisco also deals with both HIV and Herpes testing in San Francisco and education through a number of programs. AIDS and HIV are of particular concern for San Francisco because of the number of sex activists and educators who call the city their home. With a thriving LGBT community, initiatives to educate the public about HIV, AIDS, Herpes and other STDs remains a major initiative for the health department as well as the local schools.
San Francisco adheres to the standards of sex education set forth by the California Department of Education which requires that every student be instructed in the prevention of AIDS, HIV and other STDs as well as being given an understanding of basic sexual health and hygiene.
These efforts focus their work on children and young adults, but there is a wide array of sexual education opportunities for people of all ages throughout the city. Many local organizations offer workshops, seminars and a variety of courses not only in healthy sexual practices but also the finer points of a variety of sexual expression. Even at this level, there is a focus on safety with participants being given access to details and programs on STD and HIV testing in San Francisco through various clinics and programs.
The population of San Francisco is diverse but there are some still more vulnerable than others when it comes to exposure to STD transmission. People working in the sex industry in Red Light District areas such as North Beach and, of course, the Tenderloin are all at a greater risk not only because they donโt always understand the risks but because people there have less access to safe sex. Outreach programs in these areas tend to focus on STD testing through low income and free STD clinics that offer services on a first come first served basis.
This approach generates a large workload for clinics and can result in long waiting times with patients often waiting for hours before being seen. Waiting in crowded clinics often puts people off being tested at all and, as a result, experts worry there are more people already infected with some STD who simply arenโt aware of their status. As a result, many doctors now offer private STD testing to their patients as a part of their yearly exam.
Thereโs no denying that San Francisco is a sex positive city. Various parts of the city not only celebrate human sexuality but absolutely revel in it with Pride marches taking over the city every summer along with a host of sex workshops that cover everything from the basics of safe sex to the best way to flog your partner.
Still, the focus for sex professionals in the city remains on offering testing and education to people as widely as possible. Anonymous STD test in San Francisco isnโt available through local clinics or offices due to reporting standards but for those who want confidential STD testing, there are options. Many national clinics now offer testing options which can be completed through the mail without the need for an office visit.
These services offer the same tests and information as STD clinics but without the need to wait in their public office or arrange a set time to be there for testing and to get your results. Instead, the service is completed in your own time and in the privacy of your own home. This new trend may help San Francisco become even more aware of its sexual health and help to promote a healthier and more well-informed city for its permanent residents as well as its millions of yearly visitors.
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.