California’s STD Rates and Statistics

Overview of STD Rates and Cases in California

California, the most populous state in the U.S., faces significant challenges in managing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). With diverse demographics and densely populated urban centers, the state consistently reports high rates of STDs. Here’s an overview of the most recent statistics from the 2023 CDC STI Surveillance Report:

• Chlamydia: 191,357 new cases reported in 2023, with a rate of 491.1 per 100,000 residents.
• Gonorrhea: 74,103 new cases reported in 2023, with a rate of 190.2 per 100,000 residents.
• Primary and Secondary Syphilis: 6,348 new cases reported in 2023, with a rate of 16.3 per 100,000 residents.
• HIV: 4,722 new diagnoses reported in 2023

Comparing California STD Statistics to National Averages

How does California fare compared to the rest of the nation? Below is a snapshot of California’s rankings for each disease based on the latest data from the CDC in 2023:

• Chlamydia: California ranks 22nd nationally
• Gonorrhea: Ranked 18th nationally, with rates slightly above the national average
• Primary and Secondary Syphilis: The state holds the 21st position nationally
• HIV: California ranks #1 for new cases of HIV

STD Cases and Rates in the Largest California Counties

California’s vast geography includes some of the largest counties by population in the U.S. Below are the top counties for reported STD cases in 2023:

Urban centers tend to drive up case counts due to higher population densities and better access to healthcare for testing and diagnosis.

Chlamydia Rates and Cases in California

Chlamydia remains the most commonly reported STD in California. In 2023:

• 191,357 cases were reported, at a rate of 491.1 per 100,000 residents.
• Rates were highest among young adults aged 15–24 years.
• Women reported higher rates of infection compared to men, particularly in the 15–24 age group.

Efforts to reduce Chlamydia rates focus on regular screenings and education campaigns targeting young adults.

Gonorrhea Rates and Cases in California

Gonorrhea cases have been rising in California, mirroring national trends. In 2023:

• 74,103 cases were reported, with a rate of 190.2 per 100,000 residents.
• Men aged 20-24 showed the highest rates, reflecting risk factors such as unprotected sex and lack of routine testing.

Public health initiatives emphasize the importance of dual therapy treatments to address potential antibiotic resistance, which is becoming more prevalent.

Primary and Secondary Syphilis Rates and Cases in California

Primary and secondary syphilis cases have surged over the past decade. In 2023:

• 6,348 cases were reported, with a rate of 16.3 per 100,000 residents.
• The majority of cases occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Prevention strategies include targeted outreach to high-risk populations and making std testing easily available.

HIV Diagnoses in California

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral infection that compromises the immune system by attacking CD4 cells, also known as T cells, which play a vital role in defending the body against infections. If left untreated, HIV can progressively weaken the immune system, leading to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The virus is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, sharing of needles, or from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can effectively control the virus, enabling individuals to lead long and healthy lives.

HIV remains a critical public health challenge in California. In 2023, the state recorded 4,722 new HIV diagnoses, placing it 1st nationally. These figures highlight the need for continued prevention and treatment programs to address the disease.

HIV disproportionately impacts marginalized populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM) and racial/ethnic minorities. California’s public health efforts must focus on expanding access to testing, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and antiretroviral therapy to curb transmission rates and improve health outcomes for those living with HIV.

What Role Do Colleges and Universities Play in STD Rates in California?

With 2.8 million students across 400+ public and private institutions, colleges and universities are a big part of California’s STI landscape. Institutions like UCLA with 46,000+ students, Cal State Fullerton with 40,000+ students and USC with 49,000+ students are among the largest in the state. These busy and diverse campuses present unique challenges and opportunities for sexual health education and prevention. The college environment with its mix of cultures, lifestyles and behaviors adds a layer of complexity to addressing sexual health but also an opportunity to teach informed and responsible behaviors to young adults.

Here are some of the ways these institutions contribute to STD incidence and statistics in California:

High-Risk Behaviors

• College culture: The prevalence of alcohol use and casual encounters in college settings increases the likelihood of unprotected sex, heightening the risk of STD transmission.
• Inconsistent condom use: Many students report inconsistent use of protection and engagement in high-risk behaviors, such as having multiple sexual partners, which contributes to rising STD rates.

Lack of Comprehensive Sexual Health Education

• Educational gaps: Limited or inconsistent sexual education in California’s high schools and colleges leaves many students uninformed about effective contraceptive use and STD prevention.
• Misunderstandings: Common misconceptions, std myths about the importance of regular testing and the methods of preventing STDs exacerbate the problem.

Barriers to Accessing Health Care Services

• Stigma and cost: Many students avoid seeking testing or treatment due to stigma or financial constraints.
• Under-resourced campus health centers: Some university health centers have limited hours or lack adequate resources to serve the needs of students effectively.

Underreporting and Lack of Testing

• Privacy concerns: Students often refrain from testing due to fears of judgment or confidentiality breaches.
• Transient lifestyles: The transient nature of college students makes consistent healthcare access and reporting of infections more challenging.

STD Testing Options in California

Private STD Clinics: Private clinics provide convenient and confidential STD testing services. Tests typically cover a range of infections, with results often available within 1-2 days.

Testing in major California cities include:

STD Testing in Anaheim, CA

STD Testing in Bakersfield, CA

STD Testing in Chula Vista, CA

STD Testing in Fremont, CA

STD Testing in Fresno, CA

STD Testing in Irvine, CA

STD Testing in Long Beach, CA

STD Testing in Los Angeles, CA

STD Testing in Oakland, CA

STD Testing in Riverside, CA

STD Testing in Sacramento, CA

STD Testing in San Bernardino, CA

STD Testing in San Diego, CA

STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

STD Testing in San Jose, CA

STD Testing in Santa Ana, CA

STD Testing in Stockton, CA

Local Health Clinics: California county health departments and community clinics offer low-cost or free STD testing. Contact local clinics for information on costs, hours, and appointment times, which will vary by location.

At-Home STD Testing: At-home testing kits offer privacy and convenience. Users can collect samples at home and send them to a lab for analysis, with results typically available within 7-10 days.

STD Prevention and Treatment Programs in California

California has various programs to address STDs, particularly among young adults, by focusing on prevention and accessible healthcare. These include:

• Free Condom Distribution: Many California universities, community health organizations, and local health departments provide free condoms to promote safer sexual practices and reduce the spread of STDs.
• Routine Screenings: Public health departments, community clinics, and private std testing providers across the state offer affordable or free STD testing services. Mobile clinics and outreach programs are also available in underserved areas to increase access.
• Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT): Under California law, healthcare providers can prescribe treatment for the sexual partners of individuals diagnosed with certain STDs (like chlamydia and gonorrhea) without requiring the partner to attend a medical visit. This aims to curb reinfections and limit the spread of STDs.
• Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (DoxyPEP): California is a leader in using DoxyPEP, an emerging preventive treatment that involves taking doxycycline after potential exposure to bacterial STDs, including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.

STD Resources for California Residents

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) The state health department provides resources, information, and support for STD prevention and treatment.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC offers comprehensive information and guidelines on managing and preventing sexually transmitted infections.

FAQs

Where is the highest rate of STDs in California?

In 2023, the county with the highest STD rate in California is Fresno County, with a rate of 701.6 cases per 100,000 people. ​​ Fresno, the city, is the fifth largest city in California.

What is the new STD law in California?

Under California Penal Code § 120290, it is illegal for someone knowingly infected with an STD, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or HIV, to intentionally engage in activities that could transmit the disease without informing their partner

What is the most common STD in California?

The most common STD in California in 2023 is chlamydia, with a total of 191,357 cases reported.

How much does an STD test cost in California?

The cost of an STD test in California can vary depending on the provider and the type of tests conducted:

• Free or low-cost options are available at county health departments and community health clinics.
• Private clinics and labs offer individual tests and comprehensive panels for as little as $139.
• At-home STD test kits typically cost $100–$400 pending on the specific test.

How are Sexually Transmitted Diseases treated?

Treatment depends on the type of STD:

• Bacterial STDs (e.g., chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis) can be treated with antibiotics.
• Viral STDs (e.g., herpes, HIV, HPV) cannot be cured but can be managed with antiviral medications.
• Parasitic STDs (e.g., trichomoniasis) are treated with antiparasitic drugs.

How do I contact the California Department of Public Health?

916-558-1784

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): STD Statistics
2. California Department of Public Health (CDPH): STD Information and Resources
3. American Sexual Health Association (ASHA): Sexual Health Resources
4. World Health Organization (WHO): Global STD Information
5. National Institutes of Health (NIH): Sexual Health Studies