STD Testing in San Diego, California

Whether you’re proactively testing for STDs for peace of mind or are experiencing symptoms, STD screening is an important part of staying healthy. There are low- and no-cost testing sites available in San Diego, and options ranging from in-clinic to self-testing that are confidential, secure, and deliver fast results.

San Diego County is rated 10th in the state for reported cases of chlamydia, 14th for gonorrhea, and 19th for primary and secondary syphilis, according to the California Department of Public Health. Overall, California has a high rate of STDs, which emphasizes the importance of testing and education to prevent STD spread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists the state as No. 15 for chlamydia cases, No. 18 for gonorrhea, No. 6 for congenital syphilis—and No. 4 for primary and secondary syphilis.

While STDs are a problem in San Diego, there are 52 STD testing locations in the area. COLFS Medical Clinic accepts insurance and offers free medical assistance if you do not have coverage. At Good to Go San Diego, you can get test results within three hours via text or email. Following is a highlight of STD testing sites in San Diego and how testing works.

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Find an STD Testing Location in San Diego, California

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

STD Testing Options in San Diego, California

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

  • Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
  • Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
  • Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection. Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms. A routine STD panel may include:

A full-panel STD test adds:

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in San Diego, California?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing. Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in San Diego, California?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in San Diego, California?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community STD Testing Centers in San Diego, California

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

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