If you are sexually active, you must include STD testing in your health care routine to stay alert about your and your partner’s health. Some communities, such as gay, MSM, bisexual, and those with multiple partners, are at a higher risk of contracting an STD. In the USA, CDC reports that people aged 15-24 are also among the high-risk population for STDs. Therefore, you must find an STD testing center near you and prioritize getting tested. Learn more about free or low-cost STD testing in Sacramento, California.
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STD cases have reached a record high number in Sacramento County lately, with 11,645 chlamydia, 3,838 gonorrhea, and 929 syphilis cases reported in 2018. Sacramento County witnessed a nearly 20% increase in rates of chlamydia cases compared to 2017, as around 1,881 more cases were reported in 2018. Statewide, Sacramento’s chlamydia rates were 5th highest among all counties. That’s a concerning trend that can be curbed only through early intervention. Please get tested for STDs, as Sacramento offers many confidential diagnostic facilities citywide. Some of the best options can be found here.
3000 Q St 1st Floor, Sacramento, California 95816
0.14 mile
Tel: 9164541305
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Services for all people, with special focus on the LGB and specifically the Transgender Community. Some services are transgender specific. Testing services are for everyone.
2020 29th St , Ste 201, Sacramento, California 95817
0.44 mile
Tel: (916) 455-2391
Appointment Required: Yes
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2425 Alhambra Blvd, Sacramento, California 95817
0.75 mile
Tel: (916) 737-5555
Appointment Required: Yes
One Community Health is a private, nonprofit community health center serving the greater Sacramento area. The team uses a medical home model of care, including preventive care, routine checkups, immunizations and management of acute and chronic illnesses.
1500 21st St, Sacramento, California 95811
0.78 mile
Tel: (916) 443-3299
Tel: (916) 914-6325
Appointment Required: Yes
1125 10th St, Sacramento, California 95814
0.84 mile
Tel: (916) 444-7966
Tel: (916) 446-2869
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 Sacramento, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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!
