STD Testing in San Francisco, CA

You may not have symptoms if you contract an STD like chlamydia and gonorrhea. That’s why it’s important to get regular screenings to find out if you are infected.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has worked to raise awareness of STDs such as chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea for many years, especially since 2018, when a substantial increase in STD rates in San Francisco was reported.

Consider this: San Francisco’s chlamydia and gonorrhea rates ranked first in the state of California. In 2018, chlamydia cases were 56% higher than 10 years prior, while early syphilis levels increased 265%.

Many STD testing centers in San Francisco offer confidential same-day STD testing with quick results – and you can go with your partner. Even better, many offer free or low-cost testing. For example, at the San Francisco City Clinic, no one is turned away if they don’t have the ability to pay.

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.

Choose the STD testing option you’re most comfortable with:

• Private clinic: Your primary care physician or OB-GYN can order STD tests.
• Local lab: Some labs offer direct testing without a doctor’s orders.
• Community clinic: A community clinic, such as city or county clinics, or nonprofit organizations may offer STD testing. Some offer STD tests for free or low cost.

At home: You can test for STDs at home using a kit and send your sample to a lab for analysis.

When Should I Get Tested for STDs?

If you think you might have an STD, it’s best to get tested. STDs don’t go away if you ignore them; they’ll just get worse and could grow into more serious health consequences. If left untreated, some STDs can lead to issues like infertility and more serious infections. You can also spread STDs to sexual partners if you have an untreated infection.

Ask your health care provider for STD testing recommendations or follow CDC recommendations for STD testing.

What Will Be Tested in an STD Panel?

You can request specific STD tests or a full panel. An STD clinic can recommend tests based on your sexual health and symptoms.

A routine STD panel may include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• HIV 1 and 2
• Syphilis

A full-panel STD test adds:

• Herpes (oral, genital)
• Hepatitis (A, B, C)

How Much Will STD Testing Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of an STD test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, offer free or low-cost testing. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.

Lab testing fees range from $8 to $150. At home tests cost between $35 and $175 per test.

Do I Need an Appointment for Testing in San Francisco, CA?

Appointment policies vary by location, so call ahead or check the clinic website before you head in for a test. Some clinics or testing centers accept walk-ins or have same-day or next-day appointments.

How Fast Will I Get My Test Results in San Francisco, CA?

Your STD test results time will depend on the test. Some clinics offer rapid HIV testing, which can offer results in less than 30 minutes. Bacterial STD testing (chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis) takes several days to get results, while viral STD testing (HPV, herpes, or HIV) results can take just one to two days.

Community-based STD testing organizations generate awareness and foster social change while providing access to testing and treatment.

If you’re concerned about visiting your regular doctor or can’t afford the cost of private testing, a community testing center may be able to help. While community testing centers may charge a fee for STD testing, it’s common to find free or low-cost testing from these resources:

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 you test 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

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 provides HIV/STD testing, diagnosis, and treatment. All of these services are low-cost and extended whether you have insurance or not – no one is turned away for inability to pay. Lab testing is done onsite, and the clinic also provides PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention, in addition to linking patients with HIV care. Book an appointment during the following times: Mon, Wed, Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tues 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thurs 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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

The Berkeley Free Clinic provides free STI testing for sexually transmitted diseases and infections, including HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. You can call in on Monday or Wednesday through Friday to schedule a same-day appointment. There are walk-in times available for women and transgender residents on Saturdays and men on Sundays, but call to confirm since in-person slots may be limited due to COVID restrictions.

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

The SF Community Health Center provides free HIV tests. If you are interested in full STD tests, call to schedule an appointment. 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 if you test positive for an STD.

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

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-served basis, so you should aim to schedule an appointment in advance. If you’re uninsured, you 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 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. You can schedule an appointment or ask about walk-in hours.

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

• CDC | 2019 STD Surveillance Report | Last accessed September 2021
• CDC | Which STD Tests Should I Get? | Last accessed September 2021
• HHS | Your Rights Under HIPAA | Last accessed September 2021