Free STD Testing Clinics in El Cajon, CA

STD Testing in El Cajon, California (San Diego County)

El Cajon, like many cities or towns in California, is monitoring a significant but often overlooked public health issue—sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Just like in other parts of California, the rates of infections of syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV and chlamydia in El Cajon need to be watched. According to the CDC’s most recent STD Surveillance Report in 2022, individuals aged 20-24 remain the most affected group across the country. El Cajon, with its young population and proximity to universities such as the University of California-Los Angeles, with 69,000 students, and University of Southern California, with 63,000 students, is not immune to these infections.

In 2022 alone, San Diego County, California's population of approximately 3,269,973, reported nearly 7,753 cases of gonorrhea and over 18,102 cases of chlamydia, ranking 2nd and 2nd respectively in the state. This reflects a growing need for prevention, education, and accessible testing. San Diego County also reported 402 new cases of HIV in 2022, with a rate of 14.4 per 100,000.

Fortunately, residents of El Cajon have access to a variety of low-cost or affordable STD testing options and information provided by local clinics and the California Department of Health. You can reach out to Borrego Health (Centro Medico El Cajon) at 133 W Main St or County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (East Public Health Center) at 367 N Magnolia Ave, and learn more about their testing capabilities and costs. Early detection through regular testing is key to managing and preventing the spread of these infections.

For those who test positive, timely treatment can often cure infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. For others, like herpes or HIV, effective treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Addressing this issue through awareness and healthcare access remains essential for safeguarding the health of El Cajon's residents.

STD Testing Locations in El Cajon, CA

Borrego Health (Centro Medico El Cajon)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis A Test Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis B Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test Conventional HIV Test

133 W Main St, Ste 100 El Cajon, CA 92020 US

(619) 401-0404

https://locations.borregohealth.org/centro-medico-el-cajon-658329e83ecd

Monday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 8:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 8:00pm

County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency (East Public Health Center)

Testing Offered: Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Rapid HIV Test

367 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 US

(619) 401-3995

https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/hhsa/facilities/east/public_health_center_east.html

Monday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 5:00pm

Family Health Centers of San Diego (El Cajon Family Health Center)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis C Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

525 E Main St, El Cajon, CA 92020 US

(619) 515-2498

https://www.fhcsd.org/el-cajon-family-health-center/

Monday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Tuesday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Wednesday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Thursday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Friday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Saturday: 8:30am To 5:30pm

Neighborhood Healthcare (El Cajon - Madison Clinic)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis A Test Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis B Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

855 E Madison Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 US

(619) 440-2751

https://www.nhcare.org/locations-list/el-cajon/

Monday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 5:00pm

La Maestra Community Health Centers (1st Street Medical)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis A Test Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis B Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

165 S 1st St, El Cajon, CA 92019 US

(619) 280-4213

https://lamaestra.org/

Monday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 5:00pm

Family Health Centers of San Diego (Chase Avenue Family Health Center)

Testing Offered: Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis B Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

1111 W Chase Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020 US

(619) 515-2499

https://www.fhcsd.org/chase-avenue-family-health-center/

Monday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Tuesday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Wednesday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Thursday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Friday: 8:30am To 5:30pm

La Maestra Community Health Centers

Testing Offered: Hepatitis A Test Hepatitis C Test Hepatitis B Test Gonorrhea Test Syphilis Test Herpes Test Chlamydia Test Conventional HIV Test

1032 Broadway, El Cajon, CA 92019 US

(619) 280-4213

https://lamaestra.org/

Monday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Tuesday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Wednesday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Thursday: 8:30am To 5:30pm, Friday: 8:30am To 5:30pm

Labcorp - El Cajon

Testing Offered: Chlamydia Test Syphilis Test Gonorrhea Test Hepatitis A Test Hepatitis B Test Hepatitis C Test Herpes Test HIV Test HIV Early Detection Test Trichomoniasis Test

215 N. 2nd Street, El Cajon, CA 92021

Monday: 7: 30 AM to 3: 30 PM, Tuesday: 7: 30 AM to 3: 30 PM, Wednesday: 7: 30 AM to 3: 30 PM, Thursday: 7: 30 AM to 3: 30 PM, Friday: 7: 30 AM to 3: 30 PM, Saturday: Closed, Sunday: Closed

STD Testing Options in El Cajon, California

In El Cajon there are many options for STD testing;

Private Clinic:
Checking out a private clinic is a reliable method for getting tested for STDs in El Cajon, California. This choice has its advantages because you don’t require an appointment, the tests cover a range of infections, there are over 6,000 locations across the country, and results come back within 1-2 days. Your privacy is fully protected.

Local Clinics:
El Cajon, California has clinics that offer low cost or free STD testing services. Appointments may be necessary, and the timing for receiving results can vary. It’s advisable to contact them for information on costs, operating hours and appointment procedures.

At-Home STD Testing:
Opting for at-home STD testing kits offers a convenient and private way to conduct your std tests. You can purchase a kit online or from stores/pharmacies in El Cajon, California, collect your sample in the comfort of your home and send it to a lab for analysis. The process can take up to 10 days with some companies offering different test panels vs. others.

At-Home STD Testing Kits

You can opt for at home STD testing kits as they provide a convenient and private method to screen for sexually transmitted infections without the need to visit a clinic. These kits are perfect for individuals who prefer managing their health from the comfort of their home.

How It Works:

Select Your Kit: Pick a kit either online or at a El Cajon, California store depending on the infections you wish to screen for. Some kits target infections such as syphilis while others offer a wider panel, for testing multiple STIs.
Collect Your Sample: Follow the instructions to collect a sample – this could involve providing urine, a finger-prick blood sample, or using a swab on the genitals, throat, or rectum.
Send It In: Use the prepaid envelope to send your sample to the lab.
Receive Results: Get your results within a few days through a secure online portal, phone, or app.
Next Steps: After receiving a test result various services are available to provide assistance, such as consultations with healthcare experts, treatment choices or recommendations for care. It is advisable to schedule a follow up appointment with your primary healthcare provider for further consultation and guidance.

Why Choose At-Home Testing Kits:

Privacy: Test at home without visiting a clinic.
Convenience: No need for appointments or travel.

Things to Consider:

Panel Size: Ensure the kit covers all the STIs you want to test for.
Speed: Taking the test(s) and mail time may delay results vs. clinic options.

What STDs Can You Get Tested For?

Knowing which STD tests are necessary is important for your well-being. Viral infections are chronic and can be managed with available medications and therapies. Bacterial infections may require retesting to ensure that treatments have been effective as expected.

STD	Type of Infection	How It’s Tested	When to Restest
Oral Herpes	Viral	Swab of a sore, culture, or blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Genital Herpes	Viral	Swab of a sore, culture, or blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
HIV	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Gonorrhea	Bacterial	Blood, swab, or urine tests	3 Months post treatment
Chlamydia	Bacterial	Blood, swab, or urine tests	2 Weeks post treatment
Syphilis	Bacterial	Blood tests	3 Months post treatment
Hepatitis A	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Hepatitis B	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Hepatitis C	Viral	Blood test	N/A (lifelong infection)
Trichomoniasis	Parasitic	Urine test	2 Weeks post treatment

STD Testing FAQ’s for El Cajon, California

How do I know if I have an STD?

When should you test for STDs?

What do STD test panels test for?

How much do STD tests cost in El Cajon?

Can you get same-day STD tests in El Cajon?

How fast do you get STD test results in El Cajon?

Are appointments needed for STD testing in El Cajon?

How do I know if I have an STD?

If you’ve been sexually active, it’s important for your sexual health to know if you have an STD. You may experience some of the more common symptoms if you have an infection:

Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
Pain or a burning sensation during urination or sex.
Sores, bumps, or rashes in the genital area, mouth, or anus.
Persistent itching in the genital area.
Swelling or redness in the genital area.

It’s critical to know that many STDs can be asymptomatic, with some diseases up to 80% being undetected per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). To avoid worsening symptoms or infecting partners, get tested for confirmation. Positive test results are really the only true way of determining an infection. Regular testing is crucial, especially if you have multiple partners or are engaging in unprotected sex.

When should you test for STDs?

STD	Incubation Period After Exposure
Oral Herpes	2–12 days
Genital Herpes	2–12 days
HIV	2–4 weeks
Gonorrhea	2-7 days
Chlamydia	7–21 days
Syphilis	10 – 90 days
Hepatitis A	15–50 days
Hepatitis B	4–25 weeks
Hepatitis C	2 weeks – 6 months
Trichomoniasis (Trich)	5–28 days

What do STD test panels test for?

The most comprehensive 10-test panel will provide a confirmation of infection status across different bacterial or viral diseases, including HIV type 1 & type 2 antibody/antigen (4th gen), herpes type 1 & type 2, hepatitis A, hepatitis B & hepatitis C, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

How much do STD tests cost in El Cajon?

STD testing costs can vary widely in El Cajon based on the type of test(s) you purchase, speed of results and appointment times, and location.

Private STD testing offers walk-in appointments, comprehensive test panels and fast results. You can expect to pay no more than $250 to get a 10-test panel in El Cajon. Results are delivered quickly, within 1-2 days.

At-home testing is also an option, with popular online manufacturers offering test panels for up to $350. The primary benefit of this option is testing in the convenience of your own home. Simple blood tests, urine samples or swaps are taken and mailed back to the lab. Results are typically available in 7-10+ days.

Local low-cost or potentially free clinics also are available. However, these locations may require appointments, may not test for all STDs and are not as immediate as private testing.

Can you get same-day STD tests in El Cajon?

Yes! Private testing offers same-day, no appointment necessary STI testing in El Cajon. Once you purchase your selected tests (no doctor script required), you can just walk into the private lab with your order.

How fast do you get STD test results in El Cajon?

STD test result times will vary based on the type of test. Private STD testing in El Cajon will deliver results within 1-2 days. At-home test results could be 7+ days, and local clinics will vary based on a number of factors.

Are appointments needed for STD testing in El Cajon?

If you choose private STD testing as your preferred option, you don’t need an appointment to get your testing done. Just purchase the order and walk into one of the 5,000+ CLIA-Certified labs across the United States.

Local STD clinics may require appointments and should be checked on a case-by-case basis. At-home tests are also an option. Both will likely take longer to test and receive your results.

Sources

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov/sti/
WHO – https://www.who.int/health-topics/sexually-transmitted-infections#tab=tab_1
WebMD – https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/oral-herpes
National Institutes of Health – https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/stages-hiv-infection
Medscape – https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218059-clinical?form=fpf
Iowa.gov – https://hhs.iowa.gov/public-health/center-acute-disease-epidemiology/epi-manual/reportable-diseases/chlamydia
Minnesota Department of Health – https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hepatitis

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