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.
It is recommended to get tested for STDs if you have had unprotected sexual contact, multiple sexual partners, or if you are experiencing symptoms associated with STDs. Additionally, regular testing is recommended as part of routine sexual health care, even in the absence of symptoms, especially for individuals who are sexually active.
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.
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.
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.
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!
