STD Testing in Los Angeles, CA

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Table of Contents

STD Testing in Los Angeles, CA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STD Directory in Los Angeles, CA
II. STD Trends in Los Angeles, CA
III. STD Resources in Los Angeles, CA
IV. Learn More from Our Sources

I. STD Directory in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA

Chlamydia

In 2016, there were a total of 58,545 reported cases of chlamydia in Los Angeles County. That number had steadily risen over the previous five years, resulting in a 14% increase between 2012 and 2016. Overall, the county’s chlamydia rate in 2016 was 572 per 100,000 residents, which is 13% higher than the statewide rate of 506 per 100,000 residents and the national average of 497 per 100,000 residents. Roughly six out of 10 chlamydia cases were diagnosed in women, with a 4% increase between 2012 and 2016. Among males, there was a 32% increase in reported cases during this time period.

Reported STD Cases in Los Angeles County, 2012-2016

Gonorrhea

There were a total of 22,071 reported cases of gonorrhea in Los Angeles County in 2016, an 85% increase over the number of reported cases in 2012. Overall, the gonorrhea rate in the county was 216 per 100,000 residents, 31% higher than the state rate of 165 per 100,000 residents and 48% higher than the overall national rate of 146 per 100,000 residents. Of the reported cases in 2016, 71% were among males and 28% were among females, with seven out of 10 cases reported among residents aged 15 to 34.

Los Angeles County Gonorrhea Rates Compared to the U.S. and California, 2012-2016

Syphilis

In 2016, 6,272 cases of syphilis were reported, with 29% of cases staged as primary or secondary, 35% as early latent, and 35% as late latent or late syphilis. This number drastically increased between 2012 and 2016, with the number of reported P&S, EL, and late cases rising by 95%, 65%, and 121%, respectively. The P&S syphilis rate in Los Angeles was 17.7 per 100,000 residents, compared to the national rate of 8.7 and the statewide rate of 15.

While some individuals with STDs experience severe symptoms, others experience little to no discomfort and may not know that they are a carrier. Left untreated, STDs can lead to many health complications, such as certain types of cancer, infertility, and in extreme cases, death. Residents of Los Angeles who are sexually active should have regular STD screenings, even if they believe that they are unlikely to contract an STD.

III. STD Resources in Los Angeles, CA

best resources Los Angeles

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 available in Los Angeles 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:

To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Center

T.H.E. Health and Wellness Center provides a wide array of medical services to promote sexual health and general wellness, including physical exams, pregnancy testing, free STD screenings, STD treatment, and rapid HIV testing with results ready in less than a minute. The center is open Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Friday,7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bilingual services are available, and the clinic offers a sliding fee discount for low-income patients.

3834 Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90062
323-730-3576
Tohelpeveryone.org

Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic

The Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Jeffrey Goodman Special Care Clinic provides free, confidential, and comprehensive testing for HIV and other STDs. It specializes in serving members of the LGBT community, and its health staff includes mental health counselors, social services caseworkers, and a nutritionist. The Center provides two types of HIV testing: the rapid test, which provides results in less than a minute, and a more reliable test that can detect HIV as early as seven days after exposure. It also offers testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, with results available in a week. The clinic is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

1625 N. Schrader Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-993-7500
lalgbtcenter.org

AHF Wellness Center on Western

The AHF Wellness Center on Western is a walk-in clinic that provides a wide array of wellness services, including blood testing, STD screenings, and treatment for diseases, such as chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, and syphilis, cryotherapy treatments, and referrals for HIV-positive clients. Generally, testing takes about 30 minutes, and results are available within three to seven days. Clients with positive STD results are notified by phone. The center is open Monday – Friday, 12 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

1811 N. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027
855-783-2434
Freestdcheck.org

Hollywood Health Center of Los Angeles

Hollywood Health Center of Los Angeles, which is operated by Planned Parenthood, provides a variety of sexual wellness services, including HIV testing and confidential STD testing, treatment, and prevention. In many cases, STD testing is provided via examination. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are tested via a urine sample, and counseling is provided for clients who test positive. HIV testing is via a blood draw, and results for HIV testing are available in two days. The clinic also provides vaccines for HPV and hepatitis. English- and Spanish-speaking staff are available on-site, and interpretation by telephone is available for individuals who speak other languages. Walk-in clinic hours are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

1014 1/2 N. Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90029
800-576-5544
Plannedparenthood.org

STD Free Los Angeles

STD Free Los Angeles is an urgent care clinic that provides a variety of sexual health services and free STD testing for qualifying clients. This LGBT-friendly clinic features a certified testing center and lab that screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis. Visits typically last 15 minutes and can be scheduled over the phone or through the center’s online booking tool. The center is open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

1435 S. Vermont Avenue #100A
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 261-4090
Stdfreelosangeles.com

IV. Learn More from Our Sources

LA County Department of Public Services | STD Surveillance Report 2016 Last Accessed April 2021
LA County Department of Public Services | STD Resources Last Accessed April 2021
CDC | STD Surveillance Report 2018 Last Accessed April 2021