Getting exposed to a sexually transmitted infection (STI) isn't unusual because the CDC claims over 2.5 million Americans annually get diagnosed with one or multiple STIs. It isn't the end of life because most common infections, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, are curable. The difference is made the earlier it gets detected as it becomes easier to cure the infection quickly. Conversely, untreated STIs are converted into STDs and transmitted to your STD-free partner. You may also develop HIV, which can progress into AIDS. Given California's high STD prevalence rates, it seems logical to undergo testing regularly. Learn more about STD testing in Long Beach, California, here.
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Long Beach has reported high STD rates since 2013. By 2017, its chlamydia rate had climbed by 88%, gonorrhea by 267%, and syphilis by 143% per 100k population. Furthermore, 4,520 residents were living with HIV in Long Beach. The city offers an extensive network of STD and HIV testing, treatment, and care. However, given the stigma surrounding it, its diagnostic rates are considerably low. Think about your partner's safety, as STIs are contagious infections. Find your nearest STD testing clinic in Long Beach, California, here.
701 E 28Th St Ste 310, Long Beach, California 90806
1.22 mile
Tel: 5622333480
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Sliding/reduced fees (based on income) for comprehensive STD testing & treatment and Biomedical HIV Prevention Services are available for the uninsured, underinsured, or if you would prefer not to use your insurance due to confidentiality concerns.
2525 Grand Ave, Long Beach, California 90815
1.12 mile
Tel: (562) 570-4000
Tel: (562) 570-4048
Tel: (562) 570-4180
Appointment Required: No
3500 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, California 90804
1.12 mile
Tel: (562) 494-4900
Appointment Required: No
If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Please bring the following documents: photo ID. Fees for services are based on your household income. You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay.
2690 Pacific Ave, Ste 370, Long Beach, California 90806
1.58 mile
Tel: (800) 576-5544
Tel: (562) 595-6289
Appointment Required: No
2690 Pacific Ave , Ste 300, Long Beach, California 90806
1.58 mile
Tel: (866) 590-6411
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 Long Beach, 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.
Standard STD testing can detect common sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. Additional tests may be required for less common STDs or specific situations.
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.
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.
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.
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!
