Whoever has unprotected sex, experienced an STI (sexually transmitted infection) before, has multiple sex partners, or feels unusual symptoms like discharge, itchiness, and swelling around private parts should immediately undergo STD testing as it could be a matter of life and death. STDs can be easily detected through physical examination. Untreated STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can cause devastating health consequences, including infertility, paralysis, blindness, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Fortunately, all common STIs can be cured through antibiotics if diagnosed early. Learn more about STD testing in Bakersfield, California.
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California reported a dramatically high STI rate in 2016, with over 250,000 diagnosed, higher than any other US state. Bakersfield is amongst its worst-affected cities. Reportedly, someone contracts a new STI every hour in Kern County. Its incidence rate is the highest statewide, with 9,000 overall cases and 253 primary/secondary syphilis. Kern County’s syphilis rate is 90% higher than the statewide average, with 42 cases per 100k residents. Congenital syphilis is also rising in California, with 26 infected babies born in 2016. It is crucial for Bakersfield, California, residents to get tested for STDs. Scroll down for your nearest testing center.
2001 17th St, Bakersfield, California 93301
1.6 mile
Tel: 6616318514
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card...
1611 1st St, Bakersfield, California 93304
0.89 mile
Tel: (661) 336-5300
Tel: (661) 336-5303
Appointment Required: Yes
If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income.
2633 16th St, Bakersfield, California 93301
1.35 mile
Tel: (661) 634-1000
Tel: (661) 634-1040
Appointment Required: No
When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card...
2400 Wible Rd, Ste 14, Bakersfield, California 93304
1.4 mile
Tel: (661) 835-1240
Appointment Required: Yes
When visiting the health center for the first time: bring proper Identification, which may include social security card, valid driver's license, birth certificate or another form of official identification. Bring your Medi-Cal card, Medicare card or private insurance card...
301 Brundage Ln, Bakersfield, California 93304
1.72 mile
Tel: (661) 323-6086
Tel: (661) 324-6301
Appointment Required: No
Use our confidential STD symptom checker to get an idea of what STDs/STIs your symptoms align with and what STD tests are recommended to you.
Start Symptom CheckerWhich Method of STD Testing is Suitable for Me?
Every sexually active individual must protect their sexual health. Regular STD testing is the only way to care for your sexual health. However, sometimes it becomes confusing to select the right testing method as there are so many options available. For your convenience, we have gathered information about all available STD testing methods in Bakersfield, California. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
| Testing Method | Waiting Times | Speed of Results | Positive Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|
Private Testing (Walk-In Clinic) | 10-20 Minutes with No Wait | 24-72 Hours | Free With Positive Result |
At-Home STD Testing | No Wait | 5-11 Days | Free With Positive Result |
Doctor Visit with Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Co-Pay Required |
Doctor Visit without Insurance | Call for Appointment | 7-10 Days | Out-of-Pocket Cost Required |
Public Clinic | Limited Hours and Long Lines | 7-14 Days | No |
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
A nucleic acid amplification test is a laboratory procedure that professionals often perform to make detecting a particular nucleic acid or gene being targeted easier and more convenient while still ensuring that the sample being collected is relatively minimal. Nucleic acid amplification tests, or NAATs, are usually the mainstay diagnostic test for most STDs due to their ability to detect the presence of pathogenic nucleic acids and genes in the patient sample with utmost accuracy and speed. NAATs depends on their ability to replicate the target RNA and DNA to create numerous copies – resulting in an increased convenience in the detection of the desired molecules instead of trying to either blindly look for one strand in a minuscule sample or collecting a large sample that could make the patient uncomfortable throughout the process. Although NAATs are often preferred for a more conclusive diagnosis of STDs, certain exceptions such as the availability of resources and instances of intermittent viral shedding could make NAATs less desirable than other tests. Fret not, however, as your physician is knowledgeable regarding these instances and would often request the best diagnostic procedure for your instances.
Similar to what was previously mentioned, herpes infections are known for their recurring tendencies – causing outbreaks now and then and thus causing an intermittent spike in the patient’s viral load for specific instances. In addition to that, other STDs also take time to proliferate and produce a sufficient viral load that could warrant a positive and, more importantly, accurate diagnosis and detection from the tests being administered. As such, detecting an STD a few days following exposure is often complex and unpredictable – leading physicians to follow a certain timeframe instead for testing STDs instead of blindly testing immediately following exposure. Physical exams, however, may supplement inaccurate laboratory diagnoses, especially in cases where the test is prone to false results.
It does vary on a case-to-case basis. Insurance policies are often particular with the instances that they would be covering with their program. Some may cover severe accidents, some may even consider “orphan disease,” and yes, some may also cover the expenses for performing STD diagnostic tests. However, considering that your insurance provider will have to verify the person's identity availing of the program, STD testing laboratories that employ a minimal collection of patient information may not accept insurance policies to prioritize privacy over affordability.
Considering that a wide variety of testing kits and laboratory procedures can be performed to determine conclusively whether you have a particular STD or not, the time that it will take for your results to return will also be subject to the same inconsistency. Although there are specific laboratories that could produce your results even by the end of the day (albeit, it is extremely rare for institutions to do so unless necessary), most would often take a few days to a week before the results are either delivered or posted online through your secure personal profile (in the case of online transactions). In addition to that, the capability of the laboratory performing the test may also contribute to the overall timeframe of result delivery – causing delays in cases where there are several requests or understaffed to provide expedited results.
Depending on the test being performed and the testing physician's targeted diseases, various types of samples can be requested from you. In some instances, a minuscule blood sample of a few milliliters will be collected, some might ask for a urine sample, and others may opt for a genital swab. Again, the sample being collected will depend on the test being conducted and the outcome that is being targeted for this particular procedure.
Test Advisor
Get informed about the different STD testing options and the prices for each test.
How Does it Work?
Most people experience feelings of hesitation when going to get tested for STD, despite knowing they might have contracted one. EasySTD was created to change that.
Visit your nearest lab or clinic, order your home testing kit online, and follow the given instructions from an STD testing provider.
After ordering your STD test, visit the testing center to get tested or take a self sample including urine, cotton swab, or finger prick with the home testing kit and mail it back.
Receive the lab-certified results of your STD test from your test provider via mail or phone within 2 to 3 days. If the test comes positive, consult your doctor immediately.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!
