Preferred Location: 240 East 13th Street Merced,CA 95340 Merced Change location
Preferred Location: 240 East 13th Street Merced,CA 95340 Merced Change location
SaferSTD Preferred Location: 240 East 13th Street Merced,CA 95340 Merced Change Location
Scenic Merced, smack dab in the heart of The Golden State’s enormous Central Valley. California’s most productive agricultural region, and genesis of countless cultural icons. It gets its name from the Merced river and lends its nomenclature to Metropolitan statistical area; which it shares with Modesto California. It also shares Modesto’s rising rates of sexually transmitted diseases.
The stunning fertile valley of Merced suffers from vicious STD and STI transmission rates. Since 2013 there has been a 45% increase in diagnosis of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). That is a leap of more than 300,000 new infections in that time. Worse still, in 2017 alone there were more than 30 stillbirths attributed to congenital syphilis in California. The highest it has been in nearly a quarter of a century. Doctors in Merced County are concerned that not enough of the public is being regularly tested, furthering the spread of virulent disease.
Options in prevention, detection, and treatment for the people of Merced are available. There are a handful of clinics north of the 99, close to Parsons, and there is Merced County Health Department where 140 hits the 99.
Free or affordable screening may be available at some clinics. Particularly around April, which is sexually transmitted disease awareness month. Locations often offer same day testing and can provide results in as little as 1-2 days. Students of Merced Community College on M street may have even more options available to them. Check your campus calendar for local STD events.
To find the best services and location for you, use our search tools below to compare location features across Merced clinics with our easy-to-read chart.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention1 (CDC) recommends screening for the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, herpes 1, herpes 2, and HIV for both men and women. In addition, the CDC suggests women get screened for trichomoniasis.
SaferSTD recommends searching for locations that offer a 10-test panel which tests for the most common bacteria and viral STDs in the U.S. with additional premium add-ons like early HIV detection, if needed.
The CDC2 provides detailed STD testing information as to when you should get tested. In summary, you should get tested today if you are sexually active, never been tested before, have had unprotected sex in the past, or if you exhibit symptoms.
According to the World Health Organization3, the majority of STI cases reported every day, more than one million, are asymptomatic; another reason to get tested today.
You should get tested again in 90 days to rule out STDs that have specific exposure waiting times, including HIV.
STD testing can be a quick and simple process, depending on the type of test you choose and where you get tested. Some may require an oral or genital swab, a urine test or blood sample, or a physical exam to check your genital area for signs of an STD.
SaferSTD has identified preferred providers that require only a urine test, a blood sample, or both without a physical exam.
The speed at which you receive your STD testing results depends on where you get tested. Before you choose your location, find out how long testing results will take.
At-home STD testing results are usually 3-5 business days, depending on the manufacturer of your test. You also need to take into account the amount of time it takes to receive the test or pick one up, perform the test, and ship it back, before the lab can analyze your results and report back to you.
If you test at a public facility such as a neighborhood clinic, you may have to wait a week, if not more for the results, which could delay treatment. If you test through a private facility, they have the fastest turnaround within 1-3 business days.
SaferSTD has researched and identified the most accredited and most reputable testing locations. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Some STD testing clinics offer same-day walk-in options without an appointment. Below are nearby preferred locations that offer this option.
The cost of STD testing depends on whether you select private, public, or at-home testing, as well as the type of test(s) you need.
Several at-home STD options and public testing locations can cost up to $250, with most on the higher end, depending on the brand and type of testing. Public testing fees also vary based on income and welfare eligibility.
With private testing, you may save money on a low-cost comprehensive 10-test panel that tests for the most common bacterial and viral STDs in the United States.
SaferSTD has researched and identified reputable locations that offer upfront pricing without hidden fees. Click here to find a preferred location near you.
Order a home-test kit onlineThe test takes just 5 minutes and then mail in your sampleReceive your lab results in 2 to 5 daysFDA approved technologyEnjoy free shipping
Golden Valley Health Centers targets the underserved, originating as a migrant health program based at hospital facilities. In 1972, it separated from the hospital and formed a non-profit corporation. Merced Women's Health operates as part of a number of clinics and locations, and it is where STD testing and treatment are available, based on West Childs Avenues in Merced, CA.
The network of health centers touts that it "spearheaded development of patient registries and population management for improved patient outcomes" and among its innovations are cultural competency programs that have been part of a number of new sites in the region.
The group of health centers now has 28 sites and counting, serving 125,000 patients each year.
The Health Services at the University of California, located in Merced, CA, are there to ensure optimum physical health while students are completing their education. As such it provides primary health care as well as promoting lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of harmful behavior.
STD testing is available through Health Services, as well as anonymous HIV testing. The facility is staffed by board-certified doctors and other medical staff. Services are accessible with or without the student insurance plan.
Merced Health Center in Merced, CA hosts Planned Parenthood, one of 600 clinics the non-profit organization manages, as one of the most prolific reproductive health outfits in the U.S.
Providing easily accessible and low-cost healthcare that targets sexual health as well as family planning, it invites anyone to come and test for STDs and even provides interpreters in English, Spanish and other languages on request.
The clinic is located on Collins Drive and there is a hotline for any queries you have in advance.
The Merced Clinic is one of two clinics operated by the Merced County Public Health Department. The other one is based in Los Banos, CA but you will find HIV testing and AIDS case management in Merced, CA.
Services include enrollment onto the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), Ambulatory and Outpatient Medical Care, and the clinic also makes available transportation vouchers should you need them to make your medical appointments.
The clinics serve Merced County residents and fulfil a number of other community needs.
The Newman Medical Center is part of the network of federally qualified health centers referred by the County's Department of Health.
While part of Golden Valley's vast network of clinics it offers specific services covering family health, pediatrics, dental and women's health including STD testing.
Located in Newman, CA it is around 33 miles from the center of Merced, CA.
Pinnacle Healthcare is a group practice that has nine locations, including one in Los Banos, CA, which is located around 33 miles southwest of Merced, CA.
The facility specializes in family medicine but it also covers a number of other specialties with five multi-specialty providers in addition to their general practice.
STD testing is available at this clinic for a number of different infections with access to pharmaceutical services as well.
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Hours
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These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Order online and receive a doctor's order to visit this lab to get tested in as little as 15 mins. Get your results privately within 1-2 business days and speak with a doctor over the phone if your test results come back positive. Doctors may prescribe treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Result: 1-2 business days
15 min test
Book Online
Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Hours
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Getting an STD test at a clinic near you has never been easier. When you choose this location, you can get a doctor's requisition to get tested in as little as 15 minutes. Following your test, you receive your results privately within 2 business days, and can speak to a doctor over the phone with confidence, should results come back as positive.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Hours
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Why go to a public clinic? Get convenient and fast STD testing that is 100% confidential. Individual tests under $50. Order online and visit this lab the same day for a quick 15 min test. Get your results online within 1-2 business days, and view them privately. Doctor consultation available over the phone, should results come back as positive.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Hours
Accredited and Certified
These location types are best for: Privacy and convenience
Description: Get Fast, Easy and Affordable testing at this location. Results come back within 2 business days and be in and out of the lab in less then 20 minutes.
Result: 1-2 business days 15 min test Book Online Doctor Prescription (if needed)
Show only locations where privacy and discretion is taken into importance.
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Description: Public Health Department/Social Services Department.
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Description: Registration as patient needed for HIV testing. Some services free for those who qualify for Family Pact services.
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Description: Registration as patient needed for HIV testing. Some services free for those who qualify for Family Pact services.
Show only locations where you can easily book your test online.
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Description: Registration as patient needed for HIV testing. Some services free for those who qualify for Family Pact services.
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Description: Social Service Organization. You are welcome to walk in any time the Health Center is open to make an appointment or see if there is a same day appointment available
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Show only locations where they offer the HIV RNA Early Detection Test for people who think they may have been recently exposed to the HIV virus
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Description: Registration as a patient needed for HIV testing. Some services free for those who qualify for Family Pact services.
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Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
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Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
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Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
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Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
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Description: Some services free for those who qualify for Family Pact.
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Description: Some services free for those who qualify for Family Pact services.
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Description: Closed for lunch from 12noon-1pm
STD rates in California are the worst they have been in two decades. National statistics show a rise in STDs, and California is worse with this including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
Cases have increased over 10 percent in California for the three STIs since 2014 which was the worst previous year. Here are rates for chlamydia.
Recent statistics shows that chlamydia and syphilis rates are on the rise in Merced county.
The rise of cases of syphilis in particular in the county is drawing the attention of health officials.
They aim to stop the spread of STDs through education and increased awareness. The county recorded 23 cases of syphilis in 2016, up from 16 in 2015 and 14 the year before, according to the health department.
STD cases overall have been rising in Merced County. Younger people more likely to contract a disease, including syphilis.
“There’s no single reason as to why youth get syphilis more,” said a county spokesperson. One reason is this is the age where individuals first start having sex.
People are either not being aware or not being consistent with using protection. In 2016 the county health department reported 1,153 cases of chlamydia and 323 of gonorrhea. That compared to 1,117 for chlamydia and 338 for gonorrhea in 2015, and 1,036 and 188, respectively, the year before. Lowering the rate of syphilis while detecting it at the earliest stage possible has been a high priority for the health department.
Syphilis is most infectious in the first 12 months after contraction. The city’s health department is being proactive in addressing the risk of early syphilis.
The health department has been evaluating the stages of reported cases of syphilis in the county. It has also been identifying sex partners of a patient and treating them so the chain of disease can stop.
The health department also is paying attention to cases of congenital syphilis. This is spread when a pregnant woman with syphilis passes the infection to her child. The infection could be fatal to the baby. It can cause bone deformities and brain and nerve problems.
The STD testing services are available through the women's health program and as such may only be available to females. Free STD testing may be available through payment assistance on a sliding scale according to income and family size.
Patrons of the Golden Valley Health Centers have complained about the network of clinics growing into something unmanageable, however, there has been particular praise for doctors at the women's health facility in Merced, CA where STD testing is available.
797 W Childs Ave, Merced, CA 95341, USA
You may have to be associated with the university such as through the alumni or be registered as a student or prospective student in order to access health services including STD testing. Fees are applicable but you can check if free STD testing can be sought through your insurance plan or if financial assistance is available.
UC Health Services is a convenient resource for students who live in Merced, CA and can be accessed if you are a student but the options it may offer those not affiliated with the university are limited.
5200 Lake Rd, Merced, CA 95340, USA
Free STD testing may be available depending on your financial status. In some instances, you will be able to use insurance coverage.
Located in Merced, CA, residents may find this a preferential option but wait times can be long as the staff appears to be over-stretched.
3166 Collins Dr, Merced, CA 95348, USA
HIV testing is available to county residents, if you are resident outside of the county it is advised you check for eligibility in advance as well as qualification for free STD testing.
The clinic is conveniently located for Merced, CA residents looking for HIV testing but it is unclear if free HIV testing is available and wider STD testing may need to be sought elsewhere.
260 E 15th St, Merced, CA 95341, USA
Free STD testing may be available according to your financial means taking into account income and family size, ask the clinic for more details.
While the health center is a fair distance from Merced, CA, the facility has been noted for its doctors and staff who have been known to be thorough as well as informative.
637 Merced St, Newman, CA 95360, USA
There are no pre-cursers for accessing STD testing at Pinnacle Healthcare. Fees may apply for tests, although financial assistance may also be available on a sliding scale.
For urgent care, the center will see you on appointment only, but with a 33-mile proximity to Merced, CA it may not be the closest facility for urgency. Reviews suggest the service is not as fast as might be expected from an urgent care facility.
285 Mercey Springs Rd Suite A, Los Banos, CA 93635, USA
Comprehensive sex education is the law in California. This means that all public schools in California are required by law to teach comprehensive sex education and HIV prevention education at least once in middle school and once in high school.
Comprehensive sex education includes learning about anatomy and birth control. It also means students are taught about healthy relationships, decision-making, and more.
This sex education should give students information to make healthy decisions about relationships and sexual and reproductive health. The sex education curriculum in school should include information about:
It is the right of a student to get this information in schools. A group called Teen Source asks students if they are actually getting comprehensive sex education at school.
Teen Source provides students with a questionnaire online to fill out to say if they have not received sex education covering all of the above. Teen Source also gives students a chance to explain if they have received information that is not accurate.
Planned Parenthood in Merced has been using their education outreach as a way to prevent the spread of STDs. They spend a lot of our time in Merced County focused on community education. Through working with local partners and schools, Planned Parenthood reaches a broad age range.There still are areas where STD education isn’t as prevalent.
Legislation passed in California, AB 329, requires sexual health and HIV prevention education in public schools. This has helped Planned Parenthood reach more youth, but there still are young adults in their 20s who lack information.
A lot of people in college have limited info because they had limited or no sex education. It’s still a big issue in families where people don’t talk about it or it’s considered taboo. Planned Parenthood offers education services to anybody in the community. This can be a family, small group, or class.
A look at demographics can help our understanding of STI rates in your city and region. The demographic that is most likely to be infected and least likely to get tested is people 25 and younger. Some experts blame the rates of STDs in this demographic in part on the use of new hook up apps that lead to casual sex among people 25 and younger.
Concerning the jump in the state for STDs, officials are not sure of all the reasons. People are not using condoms regularly so this could lead to the higher STD rates. People are going without testing and treatment and unknowingly spreading STDs. This is another possible reason for the higher rates.
We also see reports that STD prevention systems have been weakened because local and state clinics have reduced capacity or closed in the last few years. This also contributes to higher STI rates.
HIV diagnoses were 85 percent for men having sex with men in 2013. Gay men saw the highest rates for STDs. Twice as many women suffer from chlamydia compared to men.
Men suffer in higher numbers than women from other STDs including syphilis and HIV. STD rates also are generally higher in areas with a high poverty rate.
There are STI testing resources available in your city and county. You can go to an area hospital, local lab or online service, or Planned Parenthood/Merced Health Center as some of the options. A Planned Parenthood Center offers:
Concerning the Planned Parenthood location, know that if you are uninsured, you may qualify for a state-funded program or a lower fee scale. Bring a photo ID with you. Know also that fees for services are based on your household incomes. You will not be turned away because of your inability to pay.
Planned Parenthood launched an app in California to encourage people to get STD testing. Through the app men and women can order chlamydia and gonorrhea tests.
If you are embarrassed to be seen at Planned Parenthood you could consider the hospital or urgent care option. No one will know why you are there. Yet another option is a private service such as PlushCare.
You order your STD tests. Then you visit a local lab.
Then you get results via email in three business days or less. When you order you choose the tests you want to order.
You can also use the STD Check private service. This service is advertised as being 100 percent confidential. All tests are FDA approved. Same day testing is also available. Five-minute testing is an option with results in one to two days.
STD Check does not accept insurance. This way your testing results are not reported to your insurance company. This service provides a free phone consultation with a doctor for every test where you have a positive result.
Whether you go to an urgent care center, hospital, clinic, Planned Parenthood, counsellor or nurse at an area high school, or an online service, you can find in your area information about STDs, testing, and treatment. While STD rates are high in your area, help is available in your area in the way of testing and treatment that is confidential, discreet, compassionate, and effective.
Consider how the staff at these facilities is trained to help someone like you, especially with the staff at Planned Parenthood or any other facility reminding you to check your health, improve it, and keep yourself healthy by always using a condom.
You can go to a counsellor or nurse at Merced High School for information about STDs, testing, and treatment. Mercy Medical Center can also help. Here are links to resources mentioned above.
Each page below contains a detailed report of the local area, location STD statistics and clinic reviews of some the top STD testing locations. The content is curated by our very own editors and medical experts.
Your preferred location: 240 East 13th Street Merced,CA 95340 Merced Change Location
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