Free STD Testing in Long Beach, CA

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Table of Contents

Free STD Testing in Long Beach, CA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STD Directory in Long Beach, CA
II. STD Trends in Long Beach, CA
III. Best STD Organizations in Long Beach, CA
IV. Sources

I. STD Directory in Long Beach, CA

At-Home STD Testing

Testing for STDs at home is safe, convenient, and private. Performed regularly, it can help you stay healthy and avoid unknowingly transmitting STDs.

You have many options for at-home STD testing. The best at-home STD tests are FDA approved and evaluated for safety and accuracy with fast result turnaround times and support from health care professionals.

At-home STD testing kits should include instructions for collection and test registration, along with materials such as containers and swabs to collect and send your sample to the lab. Most at-home STD tests offer results in about five days through a secure online patient portal.

Learn More About At-Home STD Testing

II. STD Trends in Long Beach, CA

The three most common STDs in Long Beach are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. In 2018, the city reported over 6,000 total infections among residents.

Chlamydia

In 2018, Long Beach ranked third in the state for the number of chlamydia infections. That year, the Department of Health and Human Services documented 3,974 infections in the city, which corresponds to a rate of 833 per 100,000 people. By comparison, the frequency of infections in Los Angeles County and the state as a whole is 662 and 583, respectively. Females were significantly more likely to contract chlamydia, making up nearly 60% of the total infections in the city, and females aged 20-24 are diagnosed with chlamydia at a frequency of 4,236 per 100,000 persons. However, this infection has increased in prevalence among males, going from a rate of 383 in 2014 to 680 in 2018.

Gonorrhea

Long Beach ranked second in the state for gonorrhea infections in 2018, which is up from ninth in the state in 2014. Between 2014 and 2018, there was a 154% increase in the number of reported gonorrhea cases in Long Beach, making this the fastest-growing STD in the city. In 2018, it was reported at a frequency of 369 infections per 100,000 people, which is considerably higher than the state rate of 266 and the national rate of 199. The majority of documented infections were among males, with those aged 25-29 being diagnosed at a rate of 1,449. Among females, the rate of infection has remained somewhat consistent, aside from a spike in reported cases in 2017.

Gonorrhea incidence rates in Long Beach, Los Angeles, and California, 2014-2018

Syphilis

The rate of early syphilis infections among Long Beach residents was 72 in 2018, which is considerably higher than the county and statewide rates of 55 and 39. The infection frequency is considerably higher among males, who accounted for 304 of the city’s 343 cases in 2018, and males aged 25-29 were most likely to contract this infection. However, between 2014 and 2018, the number of cases among females increased significantly, going from eight to 39 during this time period. The city also reported late latent syphilis cases at a frequency of 42 in 2018.

The CDC recommends that everyone who is sexually active be tested for HIV at least once during their lifetime and for STDs like chlamydia and gonorrhea on an annual basis or more often, depending on how likely they are to be exposed to these infections. In most cases, STDs don’t cause symptoms, but left untreated, they can cause serious health problems, such as infertility or sterility, certain types of cancers, and a higher vulnerability to HIV. For individuals who don’t have health insurance or don’t feel comfortable talking to their primary care practitioner about STDs, Long Beach has several local clinics and nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost STD testing and treatment.

III. Best STD Organizations in Long Beach, CA

Best STD resources Long Beach Badge

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) remain one of the most critical public health challenges facing the United States, with approximately 26 million new STD infections occurring every year. Nearly half of these new infections affect young people ages 15 to 24.

Community-based organizations are a vital first line of defense in the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS in particular. They generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

You may not be aware of all the STD resources in Long Beach that can help prevent the spread of STDs. Get connected with these community organizations that are leading the fight against STDs and HIV/AIDS with resources and support:

Dignity Health Saint Mary Medical Center | CARE Center

The CARE Center at Dignity Health, which is recognized as an LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Leader, provides comprehensive STD testing, treatment, and prevention, regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. The testing is private and confidential and is administered through throat swabs, urine tests, or finger pricks. In addition to STD testing, the clinic provides infectious disease care, case management, psychiatric care, food and nutrition services, and health benefits enrollment. Appointments are required for services and can be made over the phone.

1043 Elm Avenue, Suite 300
Long Beach, CA 90813
562-453-3766
Website

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach

The LGBTQ Center Long Beach is a local nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education, services, and programs for people in the LGBTQ community. It offers free STD screening services for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Testing and STD-related exams are given by a nurse practitioner and are available to anyone in need, regardless of sexual orientation or ability to pay. To receive services, individuals must call to schedule an appointment.

2017 East 4th Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
562-434-4455
Website

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc.

Tarzana Treatment Centers, Inc. is a nonprofit, community-based organization. It has two Long Beach locations that provide a full array of health services, including nutritional counseling, health education, and treatment strategies. Clients can receive comprehensive medical care, along with STD screening services. To schedule an appointment or to learn about the pricing structure, clients can call their nearest clinic.

2101 Magnolia Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90806
Multiple Long Beach locations
888-777-8565
Website

Long Beach Health Center

The Long Beach Health Center is operated by Planned Parenthood. It offers a variety of health services for men and women, including primary care, access to birth control, and STD testing and treatment. Some STDs that clients receive testing for include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and trichomoniasis. Appointments can be made via the online booking tool or by calling the clinic directly. In some cases, STD screening may be provided through telehealth.

2690 Pacific Avenue, Suite 370
Long Beach, CA 90806
800-576-5544
Website

Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services

The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services’ Sexual Health Clinic offers comprehensive sexual health care, including HIV prevention services and STD testing and treatment for infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV. Testing and treatment services range in price from $25 to $90, and reduced fees are available to those who meet income guidelines. Clients are encouraged to make appointments to ensure service, but walk-in appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on provider availability.

2525 Grand Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90815
562-570-4315
Website

IV. Sources

http://www.longbeach.gov/globalassets/health/media-library/documents/planning-and-research/reports/hiv-reports/2018-final-hivstd-surveillance-report-2018