There are a variety of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) common in the US. CDC reports there are approximately 20 million new cases of STDs each year. The most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Many STDs can be treated with antibiotics, but some, such as HIV, can be deadly. The number of HIV cases in Santa Rosa, California, has been rising in recent years. In 2016, there were a total of 36 new HIV cases diagnosed in the city. This is a significant increase from the 21 cases diagnosed in 2015. Learn more about STD screening in Santa Rosa, California.
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Several factors may contribute to STD cases increase in Santa Rosa. One is the city's large homeless population. An estimated 1,500 homeless people are living in Santa Rosa. This is a significant increase from previous years, and many of these individuals likely do not have access to regular healthcare or safe sex education. Another factor is drug use in particular, methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug that can lead to risky behaviors, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles. Easy-to-access low-cost STD testing facilities in Santa Rosa, California, are listed here.
1111 Sonoma Ave Ste 121, Santa Rosa, California 95405
0.46 mile
Tel: 7075282065
Today's best offer is: $10 off any order. Discount will be applied automatically.
Supportive services for HIV+ persons only. HIV testing and prevention have no eligibility requirements.
873 2nd St, Santa Rosa, California 95404
0.3 mile
Tel: (707) 544-1581
Tel: (707) 544-1586
Appointment Required: Yes
Serves people experiencing homelessness and people who need drop-in appointments. There is no cost for most STD testing if patients qualify for FPACT. Sliding scale is available for those who do not qualify.
983 Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa, California 95405
0.42 mile
Tel: (707) 583-8700
Appointment Required: No
If you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Fees for services are based on your household income.
1140 Sonoma Ave, Bldg 3, Santa Rosa, California 95405
0.51 mile
Tel: (707) 527-7656
Tel: (707) 527-5015
Appointment Required: Yes
1300 N Dutton Ave, Santa Rosa, California 95401
1.45 mile
Tel: (707) 396-5151
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 Rosa, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
