Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are widespread in every part of the US, but their rates are specifically higher in California. The state is known for its high gonorrhea and syphilis rate; overall, chlamydia is the most commonly reported STI in the country. Most of these infections don't produce any noticeable symptoms. So, the carrier doesn't detect the presence of infection and keeps infecting others through sexual contact, skin-to-skin contact, sharing needles, etc. Getting tested is the ideal way to keep track of your reproductive health. Think about getting screened for STIs if you live in Santa Cruz, California.
Board Approved
Medically reviewed by one or more members of the editorial boardDiscover Nearby Options
Santa Cruz County's chlamydia rate climbed 12% between 2017 and 2018, while gonorrhea rates fell 4% during the same period. Early syphilis cases declined by 16%. However, both increased from 2019 onwards. Currently, the county's gonorrhea and syphilis rates are higher than the rest of the state. As per the county health department, the disease burden is the highest among young adults. Between 2011 and 2015, the county reported a 104% rise in syphilis and a 122% rise in gonorrhea cases, mirroring the statewide trend. Learn where to find free or low-cost STI testing clinics in Santa Cruz, California.
2203 Mission St, Santa Cruz, California 95060
1.35 mile
Tel: 8312012181
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
1505 Soquel Dr Ste 3, Santa Cruz, California 95065
2.82 mile
Tel: 8314770387
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
1595 Soquel Drive Suite 100, Santa Cruz, California 95065
2.96 mile
Tel: 8314626671
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
250 Locust St, Santa Cruz, California 95060
0.42 mile
Tel: (831) 427-3500
Appointment Required: Yes
1119 Pacific Ave, Ste 200, Santa Cruz, California 95060
0.67 mile
Tel: (831) 426-5550
Tel: (831) 425-0106
Appointment Required: Yes
2018 Mission St, Santa Cruz, California 95060
1.23 mile
Tel: (831) 706-2220
Appointment Required: Yes
Must register to receive STD testing and treatment services. Health center sends clients to Salud para la Gente for HIV testing services.
1080 Emeline Ave, Bldg D, Santa Cruz, California 95060
1.34 mile
Tel: (831) 454-4100
Appointment Required: Yes
2025 Soquel Ave, 4th Fl, Santa Cruz, California 95062
2.05 mile
Tel: (831) 458-5597
Appointment Required: Yes
9980 Live Oak Blvd, Live Oak, California 95953
2.99 mile
Tel: (530) 749-3242
Appointment Required: Yes
45 Nielson St, Watsonville, California 95076
13.8 mile
Tel: (831) 728-0222
Appointment Required: Yes
204 E Beach St, Watsonville, California 95076
15.16 mile
Tel: (831) 728-0222
Tel: (831) 707-2777
Appointment Required: Yes
398 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, California 95076
15.16 mile
Tel: (831) 724-7525
Tel: (831) 724-7438
Appointment Required: No
Please call to find out about fees for HIV/STD testing. Some programs will cover the cost. You may qualify for a program called Family-Pact, which provides free reproductive health care.
1430 Freedom Blvd, Ste A, Watsonville, California 95076
15.34 mile
Tel: (831) 763-8400
Appointment Required: Yes
29-A Bishop Rd, Pajaro, California 95076
16.62 mile
Tel: (831) 728-2505
Tel: (831) 728-2636
Appointment Required: Yes
10561 Merritt St, Castroville, California 95012
21.11 mile
Tel: (831) 633-1514
Tel: (831) 633-0311
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 Cruz, California. Check them out to find out which option is suitable for you.
This is one of the most popular ways to get tested for STDs today. These tests combine the best of both worlds for convenience and accuracy. You will order the test online at home, but you can walk into a professional lab testing center to get tested.
Another option is to simply visit your regular clinic and talk to your doctor.
If you do not want to visit a testing center, then a great alternative is an at-home test kit. You don’t even need to leave your house to get tested for STDs this way, which makes it the most discreet option. Everything is done through email and snail mail.
One last option for STD testing is a trip to a free clinic. If you go to a public STD-testing clinic, then you may get a free or discounted test, depending on your financial situation.
Learn more in our ultimate guide to STD testing.
It can be, but it does not necessarily have to be. What many people need to understand is that laboratory tests would most often than not be relatively pricey due to the technology that is being utilized behind these diagnostic techniques. However, opting for specific laboratories that offer more convenient testing procedures and discounted prices for diagnostic tests would help ensure that the price will not be much of an issue in providing you with the conclusive diagnosis of your condition. It might take some independent scanning to find the right testing center for you in the most acceptable price range, but it is not as impossible as many people make it out to be.
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.
For more information, skip to the FAQs section on this page.
Test Advisor
Know all about STD testing options, and the costs of different STD tests.
Select a city below to see more local STD testing options
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 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.
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.
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.
Help stop the spread of STDs by knowing your status. Get tested today!