Free STD Testing Clinics in San Diego, CA

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

San Diego, 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 San Diego 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. San Diego, 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 San Diego 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 Family Health Centers of San Diego (Downtown Family Health Center at Connections) at 1250 6th Ave or Gaslamp Medical Center at 250 Market St, 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 San Diego's residents.

STD Testing Locations in San Diego, CA

Family Health Centers of San Diego (Downtown Family Health Center at Connections)

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

1250 6th Ave, Ste 100 San Diego, CA 92101 US

(619) 515-2430

https://www.fhcsd.org/downtown-family-health-center-at-connections/

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

Gaslamp Medical Center

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

250 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 US

(619) 239-9675

https://www.gaslampmedicalcenter.com/

Monday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 9:00am To 5:00pm, Friday: 9:00am To 5:00pm

San Diego Prep

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

1665 Union St, Ste A San Diego, CA 92101 US

(619) 736-1772

https://www.sandiegoprep.com/

Tuesday: 8:00am To 7:00pm, Wednesday: 8:00am To 7:00pm, Thursday: 8:00am To 7:00pm, Friday: 8:00am To 7:00pm, Monday: 8:00am To 7:00pm, Saturday: 9:00am To 3:00pm, Sunday: 9:00am To 3:00pm

Family Health Centers of San Diego (Elm Street Family Health Center)

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

140 Elm St, San Diego, CA 92101 US

(619) 515-2520

https://www.fhcsd.org/elm-street-family-health-center/

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

Quest Diagnostics - San Diego

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

1855 First Avenue, Ste 200-B, San Diego, CA 92101

Monday: 9: 00 AM to 3: 00 PM, Tuesday: 9: 00 AM to 2: 30 PM, Wednesday: 9: 00 AM to 2: 30 PM, Thursday: 9: 00 AM to 2: 30 PM, Friday: 9: 00 AM to 3: 00 PM, Saturday: Closed, Sunday: Closed

Family Health Centers of San Diego (Family Health at City College)

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

1550 Broadway, Ste 2 San Diego, CA 92101 US

(619) 515-2525

https://www.fhcsd.org/familyhealth-at-city-college/

Monday: 7:45am To 5:00pm, Tuesday: 7:45am To 5:00pm, Wednesday: 7:45am To 5:00pm, Thursday: 7:45am To 5:00pm, Friday: 7:45am To 5:00pm

Sharp Healthcare (Sharp Rees- Stealy Downtown)

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

300 Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101 US

(858) 499-2703

https://www.sharp.com/locations/sharp-rees-stealy-downtown-912

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest Incorporated (First Avenue Family Planning Michelle Wagner Center)

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

2017 1st Ave, Ste 301 San Diego, CA 92101 US

(888) 743-7526

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/california/san-diego/92101/first-avenue-family-planning-michelle-wagner-center-4037-90110

Monday: 7:30am To 6:00pm, Tuesday: 7:30am To 6:00pm, Wednesday: 7:30am To 6:00pm, Thursday: 7:30am To 6:00pm, Friday: 7:30am To 5:00pm, Saturday: 7:30am To 4:00pm

STD Testing Options in San Diego, California

In San Diego there are many options for STD testing;

Private Clinic:
Checking out a private clinic is a reliable method for getting tested for STDs in San Diego, 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:
San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego?

Can you get same-day STD tests in San Diego?

How fast do you get STD test results in San Diego?

Are appointments needed for STD testing in San Diego?

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 San Diego?

STD testing costs can vary widely in San Diego 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 San Diego. 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 San Diego?

Yes! Private testing offers same-day, no appointment necessary STI testing in San Diego. 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 San Diego?

STD test result times will vary based on the type of test. Private STD testing in San Diego 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 San Diego?

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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STD Testing in Cities Near San Diego, CA

San Diego Country Estates, CA1 miles

Coronado, CA3 miles

National City, CA4 miles

Chula Vista, CA7 miles

Lemon Grove, CA7 miles

Bonita, CA9 miles

Imperial Beach, CA10 miles

Spring Valley, CA10 miles

La Mesa, CA10 miles

Rancho San Diego, CA11 miles

El Cajon, CA13 miles

San Ysidro, CA13 miles

Santee, CA13 miles

Winter Gardens, CA15 miles

Lakeside, CA17 miles

Poway, CA21 miles

Solana Beach, CA21 miles

Encinitas, CA23 miles

Alpine, CA24 miles

Ramona, CA28 miles

Escondido, CA28 miles

San Marcos, CA30 miles

Carlsbad, CA32 miles

Vista, CA34 miles

Valley Center, CA36 miles

Oceanside, CA36 miles

Campo, CA41 miles

Fallbrook, CA47 miles

See all cities in California

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STDtest.com works to make your testing experience as discreet as possible. Our site employs the HL7 interface in transferring information from our domains to the labs we work with. HL7 is the healthcare industry safety security standard for ensuring the privacy of all documents transferred on the web.

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You’ll never receive an email with a loud headline announcing “Your STD Test”. You won’t even see our website name in the “From” column. Our email communications are timely and informative, but intentionally discreet.

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As another safe-guard to your privacy, our website name will not appear on your billing statement. Neither will the names of any tests you receive.

Private Results

Your results involve a two-step process that is another safe-guard to your privacy. You’ll be notified that your results are available by an email from our partner website, which will not include your results. After you log in, you will then be directed to your secure test results.