Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) could be life-threatening if you ignore the symptoms or have not made STD testing a mandatory part of your routine health checkup. Once diagnosed, common STDs like gonorrhea and chlamydia can be easily cured with antibiotics. However, the first step towards a healthy, STD-free life is testing. It could be a lifesaver for you and your partner. The CDC recommends all sexually active individuals, women aged 25 or below, people having multiple sex partners, and gays/bisexuals must undergo STD screening twice a year.
Board Approved
Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial boardExplore Nearby Options
Like the rest of California, Santa Barbara has some of the nation’s highest STD prevalence rates. Between 2011 and 2020, chlamydia remained the most prevalent STD in Santa Barbara County, followed by early syphilis and gonorrhea. From 2011 to 2018, gonorrhea rates increased five times, from 96 to 484 cases, whereas early syphilis cases increased four times, from 22 to 91 cases between 2013 and 2019. since 2016, Santa Barbara County’s gonorrhea rate has increased by 60% and syphilis by 84%. This makes STD testing essential for all residents of Santa Barbara, California.
3905 State St, Ste 9, Santa Barbara, California 93105
1.96 mile
Tel: 8055634328
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Free HIV testing open to the general public. HIV & Hep C testing free to high risk individuals; a donation is recommended for non high risks. STI's need a Dr. appt. and there is a fee for it, call for more info. Llámanos para más información...
628 W Micheltorena St, Santa Barbara, California 93101
0.69 mile
Tel: (844) 594-0343
Tel: (805) 962-4771
Tel: (805) 963-1546
Appointment Required: Yes
Free HIV testing open to the general public. HIV & Hep C testing free to high risk individuals; a donation is recommended for non high risks. STI's need a Dr. appt. and there is a fee for it, call for more info. Llámanos para más información...
915 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, California 93103
1.67 mile
Tel: (844) 594-0343
Tel: (805) 962-6616
Tel: (805) 963-1641
Appointment Required: Yes
518 Garden St, Santa Barbara, California 93101
1.69 mile
Tel: (888) 898-3806
Tel: (805) 963-6722
Appointment Required: Yes
Everyone is eligible and welcome for services at AIH&S. Eligibility for services funded by the Indian Health program is determined by the federal Indian Health Services.
4141 State St, Ste B2, Santa Barbara, California 93110
2.47 mile
Tel: (805) 681-7144
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 Santa Barbara, 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.
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.
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!
