Free STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

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Table of Contents

Free STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. STD Directory in San Francisco, CA
II. STD Trends in San Francisco, CA
III. Best STD Organizations in San Francisco, CA
IV. Sources

I. STD Directory in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA

As is the case in most of the country, the three most common STDs in San Francisco are chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, especially early syphilis. This is consistent with the most common STDs in California as well.

Chlamydia

Based on data collected between 2014 and 2018, San Francisco’s chlamydia rates ranked first in the state of California. In 2018, the number of reported chlamydia cases was 232,181, a number 56% higher than it was 10 years prior. Since many people with chlamydia are asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms, the actual number of cases may be higher. Most chlamydia cases occur in young people, with about 50% of cases in California diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 24.

Gonorrhea

San Francisco also ranked first in gonorrhea cases between 2014 and 2018. From 2016 to 2018, the number of gonorrhea cases per 100,000 people in San Francisco rose from 649.9 to 664.1. Since 2011, the number of gonorrhea cases in San Francisco has typically exceeded the average number of cases of all other U.S. jurisdictions, including New York, Los Angeles, and the whole of California.

Gonorrhea Cases in California and San Francisco, 2014-2018

Gonorrhea Incidence Rates per 100,000 in California and San Francisco, 2014-2018

Syphilis

Early syphilis is a large problem in California, as are all stages of the disease. From 2008 to 2018, syphilis levels increased 265% and the disease has become common in both genders. While most syphilis cases still occur among men, especially men who have sex with men, the increase in female cases has been alarming. In the state of California, the increase among women has grown by 743% in 10 years, and in San Francisco in 2016, 31 of the 1,145 cases of early syphilis diagnosed were in women. The San Francisco Department of Health refers to this as “part of a steady increase in syphilis among females.”

As the STD epidemic spreads throughout California and the rest of the country, the importance of STD testing cannot be stressed enough. Many STDs show no symptoms but can lead to infertility, reproductive problems, neurological impacts, and more serious conditions later in life. Some of the risk factors for contracting an STD include having unsafe sex, having new or multiple partners, sharing recreation drug tools like needles, prostitution, or having an intimate relationship with someone who has a high risk of an STD. Thanks to nonprofits and public health initiatives, many clinics offer free, low-cost, or discounted testing that encourages at-risk populations to receive regular testing.

III. Best STD Organizations in San Francisco, CA

best resources San Francisco

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 San Francisco 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:

University of California San Francisco Alliance Health Project

UCSF’s Alliance Health Project offers STD testing to all male and male-identifying transgender clients who have sex with men and reside in the city. The facility tests for syphilis, gonorrhea, and oral/rectal chlamydia. Results are available after 10 days. If a patient tests positive for one of the three most common STDs, AHP will contact the person to make a follow-up appointment for treatment. Tests are provided free of charge.

1930 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Multiple San Francisco Locations
415-476-3902
Alliancehealthproject.ucsf.edu

San Francisco Aids Foundation

The San Francisco Aids Foundation provides free STD and STI testing to residents of the city while prioritizing the needs of at-risk communities, including LGBTQIA individuals and uninsured residents. Among the diseases tested and treated by SFAF are syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. It also treats bacterial vaginosis, herpes simplex, shingles, and other STIs. Appointments are confidential and can be booked online or at one of the organization’s locations. Test results can also be obtained online.

1035 Market Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Multiple Locations in San Francisco
415-487-3000
Sfaf.org

San Francisco City Clinic

The San Francisco City Clinic provides STD testing, diagnosis, and treatment as a part of their walk-in services. All of these provisions are low-cost and extended to both insurance holders and uninsured individuals. Lab testing is done on-site, and the clinic also provides STD education for patients and notification for partners. The best walk-in hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Some walk-in hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays are only open to HIV or STD patients and their partners.

356 7th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-487-5500
Sfcityclinic.org

Berkeley Free Clinic

The Berkeley Free Clinic provides free STI testing for transmitted diseases and infections, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. People can call in on Monday or Wednesday through Friday, starting at 5:45 p.m. to schedule a same day appointment. Women and transgender residents can drop in from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays for STI testing, and men can receive the same STI walk-in services on Sundays between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

2339 Durant Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94704
510-548-2570
Berkeleyfreeclinic.org

San Francisco Community Health Center

The SF Community Health Center provides free HIV tests, and individuals interested in full STD tests should schedule appointments. MSM and transgender clients can receive HIV tests on a walk-in basis. People who schedule an appointment for an STD exam can be tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, syphilis, and other infections and diseases. The clinic also provides treatment once an individual has been diagnosed.

730 Polk Street 4th Floor
San Francisco CA 94109
415-292-3400
Multiple San Francisco Locations
Sfcommunityhealth.org

South San Francisco Health Center

The South San Francisco Health Center is operated by Planned Parenthood and provides affordable STD testing, treatment, and vaccinations. Walk-in clients are welcome; however, the clinic operates on a first-come-first-serve basis, so scheduling an appointment in advance is recommended. Uninsured patients may qualify for a lower fee scale, and fees are calculated based on income.

435 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
877-855-7526
Plannedparenthood.org

APEB

APEB partners with the University of California San Francisco’s School of Nursing to provide comprehensive STD and HIV screening to populations in the city, including gay men and transgender people. Prevention and treatment services are also provided by the organization. Walk-in hours are available every Thursday between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Appointments can also be scheduled.

8400 Enterprise Way, Suite 118
Oakland, CA 94621
510-663-7979
Apeb.org

Free STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

Free STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

I. STD Directory in San Francisco, CA

At-Home STD Testing

II. STD Trends in San Francisco, CA

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea Cases in California and San Francisco, 2014-2018

Gonorrhea Incidence Rates per 100,000 in California and San Francisco, 2014-2018

Syphilis

III. Best STD Organizations in San Francisco, CA

University of California San Francisco Alliance Health Project

San Francisco Aids Foundation

San Francisco City Clinic

Berkeley Free Clinic

San Francisco Community Health Center

South San Francisco Health Center

APEB

IV. Sources