Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are the three most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in California. These are treatable bacterial infections if only early diagnosis is ensured, which is possible only through regular testing. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are more prevalent in women under 25. Chlamydia is called a silent infection because it never shows any symptoms. As per the Washington State Department of Health, STD cases are rising across all regions, but the most at-risk population is 15-24, MSM, African-Americans, and the gay/bisexual community. San Francisco offers many low-cost and free STD testing options, which you can find here.
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In 2018, the California Public Health Department recorded an all-time high rate of STD cases in three decades. In San Francisco, STDs dramatically rose in 2021; the city reported the 3rd highest STD rate in America. Gonorrhea cases rose from 4,109 in 2020 to 5,259 in 2021. Chlamydia increased to 6,185 in 2021 from 5,735 in 2021, whereas male rectal gonorrhea rates also increased, with 1,812 cases reported in 2021 and 1,160 in 2020. San Francisco residents can now access quality, free, or low-cost STD testing facilities in the following locations.
2198 15Th St, San Francisco, California 94114
0.88 mile
Tel: 4154318723
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
470 Castro St, San Francisco, California 94114
0.55 mile
Tel: (415) 437-3400
Tel: (415) 437-3450
Appointment Required: Yes
555 Cole St, San Francisco, California 94117
1.04 mile
Tel: (415) 386-9398
Tel: (415) 751-8181
Appointment Required: Yes
2424 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94110
1.31 mile
Tel: (415) 826-3484
Appointment Required: Yes
Ages 12 and up. In response to the outbreak of the respiratory illness, coronavirus (COVID-19), AHP is taking steps to ensure the safety of clients, staff, and community. Until further notice, the following services are suspended: Mobile HIV/HCV/STD testing; drop-in for people seeking behavioral...
1930 Market St, San Francisco, California 94102
1.37 mile
Tel: (415) 476-3902
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 San Francisco, 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.
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.
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 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 how other testing procedures behave, false-positive results are still evident even in STD testing. False-positive and even false-negative results are standard instances that showcase the imperfection of the test’s design – a factor that is present everywhere. However, despite certain inconsistencies in laboratory tests as such, physicians commonly use confirmatory tests that would often take another path entirely to arrive at the same conclusion – solidifying the initial test’s diagnosis while still ensuring that the second test is not following the inconsistencies of the first.
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!
