STD Testing in California

Getting tested for STDs in California can help you identify STDs early, protect yourself and your partners, and limit the spread of STDs – especially STDs with undetectable or mild symptoms.

STDs are a national concern, and California has an especially high rate of syphilis, ranking seventh in the country according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the state is ranked sixth for congenital syphilis, 32nd for chlamydia, and 25th for gonorrhea.

Many STDs are curable. For those that aren’t, treatments are usually available to help manage symptoms and prevent you from passing them onto others. If you’re sexually active, regular testing is the only way you can know for sure if you have an STD and get the treatment you need to prevent potentially serious health issues and stop the spread.

There are numerous California STD testing resources where you can get answers to your questions about STDs and get tested, often for free or at a low cost. AHF offers free testing, and Planned Parenthood offers a full suite of sexual health services, along with interpreters if you let them know in advance.

California STD Testing Directory

To help you locate an accredited laboratory/testing center, a list of resources has been compiled and can be found below.

Consult with your health care provider about any lab testing that you may be considering. It is also important to follow up with your health care provider to discuss your results within the context of your medical history.

STD Trends in California

California’s reported STDs are generally below average, except for syphilis, which is above average. In California, some of the underlying causes of increased STDs relate to a complex network of social factors. Some of these factors may include economic disparities that prevent access to appropriate health care, substance use, homelessness, and the exchange of sex for money or other resources. Startling trends seen in California include:

California Testing Graph

Source: CDC 2020 STD Surveillance Report

STD Screening Recommendations and Risk Factors

If you have sex, you are at risk for getting an STD. According to the CDC, risk factors for STDs include:

  • Unprotected sex (anal, vaginal, or oral)
  • Sex with multiple partners
  • Anonymous sex partners
  • Sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Injection of drugs or sharing needles

Should you get tested for STDs? And how often? Talk to your doctor to be sure, but you should generally follow these CDC recommendations:

STD Testing in California:

Free STD Testing Centers in California

Community-based STD testing organizations help expand access to sexual health services by offering affordable, confidential testing and treatment.

You may choose a community testing center if cost, insurance coverage, privacy, or access to a regular healthcare provider is a concern. While some centers charge a small fee, many offer free or low-cost STD testing and additional support services. Below are examples of community-based resources where reduced-cost testing may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions About STD Tests in California

Which STD has the highest number of cases in California?

Chlamydia is the most common STD in California at a rate of 452.2 cases per 100,000 people in the state. But California ranks highest for primary and secondary syphilis at seventh in the nation, though the rate of infection is lower than chlamydia at 19.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Is STD testing free in California?

There are free STD clinics in California, including the City of Los Angeles Public Health and Orange County Public Health Services.

How much does STD testing cost in California?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.

Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At-home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

What is included in a full STD panel?

When getting a full STD panel, expect testing for HIV, herpes, hepatitis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

Is STD testing covered by insurance?

Insurance coverage depends on the clinic you visit, but most public and private STD clinics accept insurance. Contact the clinic before your visit to ask about insurance policies.

How long does it take to get STD results?

Some clinics offer rapid results, such as HIV test results within 30 minutes, but other tests may take up to a week to return results particularly bacterial testing including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.

STD Resources in California

Learn more about STDs and the signs and symptoms that you might have contracted an STD. You’ll find numerous authoritative resources at the state and national level that provide valuable information about the most common STDs, testing procedures, and prevention.