Every sexually active person should get tested for common STDs such as chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and gonorrhea. The reason is that the infection rates of all common STDs are constantly rising, with the CDC reporting 2.4 to 2.5 million new infections annually since 2016. Testing for STDs should be done once a year at least, and high-risk population groups, including MSM, gays, bisexuals, and people previously diagnosed/treated for an STD. If you have multiple sex partners, you are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, so getting tested twice a year is suggested. Learn more about affordable STD testing in Hayward, California.
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Alameda County ranked 27th in the US for high chlamydia rates in 2017. The county's infection rate was 9,200 or 558.4 cases/100k residents. The county ranked 26th in gonorrhea rates by county in the same year with 3,597 cases or 218.3 cases/100k people. Moreover, for syphilis, it also ranked 26th. California is also facing high infection rates. The state ranked 14th for chlamydia cases with 218,785 cases, whereas gonorrhea cases were 75,348 and syphilis cases were 6,708 in 2017. This alarming trend requires everyone to get tested for commonly reported STDs in Hayward, California.
1 Southland Mall Dr, Suite 718, Hayward, California 94545
1.81 mile
Tel: 5107857075
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
1032 A St, Hayward, California 94541
2.91 mile
Tel: (510) 300-3800
Tel: (510) 300-8039
Appointment Required: No
22331 Mission Blvd, Hayward, California 94541
2.93 mile
Tel: (510) 471-5907
Must have active medical insurance, and must register as a patient. Free testing is located at Highland Hospital Monday-Friday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
664 Southland Mall Dr, Hayward, California 94545
3.12 mile
Tel: (510) 266-1700
Tel: (510) 437-8500
Appointment Required: Yes
Need to register as a patient.
33255 9th St, Union City, California 94587
3.48 mile
Tel: (510) 471-5907
Tel: (510) 471-5880
Appointment Required: Yes
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 Hayward, 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.
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.
Yes. Certain companies offer at-home testing kits wherein you are the one that will collect the specimens necessary for the test at the comfort of your own home. Sure, it might sometimes be subject to errors due to the potential contamination of the sample from collection to transportation, but it does offer a great deal of privacy and convenience for patients who would prefer to have their identities hidden in fear that their community will judge them.
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.
Although NAATs are well-known for their accuracy and sensitivity in detecting most STDs, it is also subject to certain inconsistencies, especially in the case of herpes infections. In Herpes, outbreaks often result in a relative increase in the patient’s viral load – leading to a timeline that usually has specific peaks at certain intervals instead of a consistent rise in viral load throughout. As such, sensitive tests such as NAATs are still unable to accurately diagnose herpes conditions, especially in cases where the patient has recently become asymptomatic and is currently between outbreaks. Other tests such as culture testing and type-specific virologic tests are often employed instead as a confirmatory diagnosis for the patient’s condition.
It would vary depending on the condition that is being tested. STDs behave differently due to the varying pathogenicity of each STD’s causative organism. In some instances, you can get accurately tested as early as two weeks following exposure, while some are intermittently inaccurate due to its recurrence (much like in the case of herpes infections). To avoid this, be sure to discuss the intricacies of the test with your physician to understand whether a particular test could provide you with a conclusive diagnosis or if it still needs another confirmatory test to establish its premise.
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!
