Sexual Health & Testing

We provide free sexual health services through Magnet, our sexual health clinic in the Castro, and at sites across San Francisco. Sexual health services include HIV and STI testing, STI treatment, trans health, anal health, hepatitis C services, vaccinations, PrEP and PEP.

Where can I get tested?

HIV and STI testing and treatment, linkage to care, and other sexual health services are provided by our sexual health clinic program Magnet.

For community members who have a relationship with substances, drop-in testing and clinical services are also provided at the 6th Street Center.

FAQ

How much does HIV and STI testing cost?

There is no fee for HIV and STI testing services. We cover the costs of our services through donations from the public, support from SFDPH, and government and grant funding.

What to expect during an HIV and STI test?

Each of our sites has slight variations in testing flow. No matter which location you choose, you will be cared for by certified sexual health educators and expert medical personnel.

At registration, we ask you to fill out a form with basic information including name, date of birth and contact information. All information you provide to us is protected by HIPAA–all of our services are confidential. After you are registered for your appointment, you will be given a tablet to complete our intake survey. The intake helps us to learn more about you and your health concerns. All the information is optional. This intake survey allows us to tailor your counseling session to your specific needs.

Once the intake is completed, a phlebotomist will collect a sample of your blood for HIV, hepatitis C, and/or syphilis testing. After your blood sample is collected, you will have the option of completing a counseling session with one of our test counselors. Your counselor can answer any questions or concerns that you have. They can also provide you with referrals to other services. If you are doing a chlamydia and gonorrhea test, this is when we collect specimens for those tests. We collect these via swab, and we suggest swabbing the parts of the body that you’re using during sexual activity. We offer a urine test as well.

How do I find testing outside San Francisco?

Not in San Francisco? More HIV and STI testing sites and care services can be found on HIV.gov.

Do I need insurance or identification?

Everyone is eligible for our HIV and STI testing services. At no point during your testing visit will you need to provide us with identification or health insurance information.

We prioritize testing among communities at increased risk for HIV, STIs and hepatitis C. This includes our LGBTQIA community, trans and gender non-binary people, people of color, people who use substances, women and femmes, youth, people in the sex trade, uninsured individuals, immigrants, among others.

If you have health insurance and can afford to access HIV and STI testing another way, please consider your options so that we might provide services to people who do not have those same options.

How long do test results take?

HIV and hepatitis C rapid test results are received the same day that you test. All other results will be delivered via our client portal. You can expect results to be delivered to the portal within a week. If you do not have an email address and are unable to access results via our client portal, you may obtain your results in person at any of our locations.

If any of your results are positive, a nurse will contact you to set up treatment at Magnet. Treatment is provided free of cost.

What happens if I test positive for HIV?

We are here to support you no matter what your test result is. When clients test positive for HIV, our focus is providing them with emotional support in that moment. We understand that receiving such significant news can bring up a range of emotions, and we want our clients to know that they are not alone. We are able to link HIV-positive clients with a Health Navigation team member. Our Health Navigation team provides clients with individual support to help people take charge of your health and get the care they need. We can help people testing positive for HIV started on HIV medication on the same day.

Are test results confidential?

All the information we collect is protected under HIPAA. We will not contact you for any reason other than to provide your health results.

What GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE SERVICES do you provide?

Gender-affirming hormones (GAH)

We can prescribe and provide gender-affirming hormones to address the spectrum of trans and non-binary needs. Advice and info provided so that you can make an informed choice about your individual transition goals.

For more information, call 415-437-3456.

Hormone level checks

Hormone level checks are a quick assessment of hormone levels in your body using a blood sample. We offer hormone level checks to safely guide dosing changes in line with your transition goals. We will provide you with your current hormone levels and a recommendation for you to consider in order to meet your desired goals.

Hormone injection assistance

Bring your gender-affirming hormones with you to your appointment, and a healthcare provider will administer your injection or provide self-injection education and training.

  • Anal health exams
  • Vaginal and front hole exams
  • Treatment and cure for hepatitis C, including a place to store medication
  • Interim HIV therapy and rapid starts on HIV medication
  • Navigating insurance or other assistance programs for HIV
  • Access to harm reduction supplies like syringes, Narcan and more
  • Substance use support and referrals
  • Community performing arts events like Trans Voices, Black Love, and Mi Gente
  • Care packages, food pantry and hygiene kits
  • Assistance accessing social benefits
  • Transportation support to medical appointments
  • Name and gender change support
  • Gender affirming procedure referral letters
What should I know about condoms?

A properly fitted condom worn during sex will block HIV and many sexually-transmitted infections.

Wearing a condom that fits correctly enhances pleasure and reduces the chance of a tear. Condom dimensions, shape and the lube you use change your experience.

  • Straight fit condoms are straight through the shaft.
    Brands include: Crown, Lifestyles Ultra Sensitive, Lifestyles Latex Free, Kimono Microthin, Trustex XL, Beyond Seven.
  • Flared condoms are roomier at the top.
    Brands include: Lifestyles King XL, Lifestyles Ultra Thin.
  • Form fitted condoms have a snugger fit.
    Brands include: Lifestyles Snugger Fit, Iron Grip.

Condoms made of latex rubber are the most common, but if you have a latex allergy, condoms made out of a thin plastic (polyurethane or polyisoprene) are manufactured.

Water-based and silicone-based lubes are safe to use with latex condoms. Avoid any oil-based lubricants (like massage oils, baby oil or Vaseline-brand petroleum jelly) because these can cause condoms to break.

Condoms can also be used on sex toys, too. Depending on the type of sex toy, it is important to know if the condom is lubricated with silicone or water-based lube–as silicone-based lube can damage silicone toys. Hard plastic toys can be used with any type of lube or condom.

Always check the expiration date on the package to make sure the condom isn’t expired.

Visit any of our locations and we’ll have an assortment of condoms and safer sex tools like lube and internal condoms available for you–all free.

Water-based vs. Slicone-based lube?

Water-based lube washes away with water. It tends to dry out faster during sex, but you can always use more or use spit or water to rehydrate. Water-based lube is OK to use with sex toys.

Silicone-based lube lasts longer during sex, and does not wash away easily with water so clean up can be more difficult. Silicone lube can stain sheets and damage silicone-based toys.

What is Hepatitis?

“Hepatitis” means inflammation of the liver, a vital organ in your body that cleans your blood, fights infections and plays a key role in nutrition. An inflamed or damaged liver can affect your entire body and put your health at risk.

Hepatitis is often caused by a virus. In the U.S., the most common hepatitis viruses are hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hep A and B are preventable with vaccines. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but there are strategies you can use to reduce your risk of HCV infection.

We believe sexual health shouldn’t come with judgment

San Francisco AIDS Foundation offers free vaccinations and immunizations, which are effective ways to prevent the transmission of serious diseases. Most people who receive vaccinations are protected against infection.

  • Hepatitis A, B vaccines
  • Flu Shots (Fall/Winter)
  • Mpox JYNNEOS vaccine

Services

Anal Health Care

We have a variety of anal health care services and resources so that you can keep your butt healthy and happy.

If you’re having anal sex, there is a chance you will get STIs in your butt and you might not experience symptoms. We recommend that people having anal sex get tested for HIV and STIs every three months, and always request a rectal swab to test for gonorrhea and chlamydia.

When you visit us for a sexual health screening, we want to hear all about your butt. Talk to your nurse if anything’s bothering you or if you’ve been bleeding or having discomfort during sex.

Condoms & Safer Sex Supplies

Stop by any of our locations to pick up free internal and external condoms, lube, dental dams, and other safer sex supplies.

If you would like information about joining our condom distribution program, email us at info@sfaf.org.

HIV & STI Testing

Regular STI testing and prompt treatment can prevent the spread of STIs in our community. We offer free, confidential testing for HIV, hepatitis C and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Testing is based on anatomy and sexual behaviors for folks regardless of gender-affirming surgery history.

We recommend that people having anal sex get tested for HIV and STIs and request a rectal swab every three months.

HIV CARE

If you’re living with HIV but aren’t in care or aren’t taking medication, we can help. We can provide interim HIV treatment and rapid HIV medication start. We can also help you access patient assistance programs and insurance benefits to help pay for treatment.

Doxy PEP

SFAF is providing Doxy PEP to men who have sex with men, trans women, trans men, and other TGNCI+ folks who may be at risk for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis even if they have not been diagnosed in the past year.

PrEP & PEP for HIV Prevention

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are highly effective ways to prevent HIV using medication. Services for both medications are available through Magnet, our sexual health clinic program, and include lab tests, dosage instructions, prescriptions, benefits navigation, and adherence support.

STI Treatment

We provide free treatment for infections based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease & Prevention (CDC).

We offer treatment for:

  • Syphilis
  • Gonorrhea & chlamydia
  • Vaginal and front hole candidiasis
  • Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
  • Trichomoniasis (Trich)
  • Herpes simplex
  • Genital and anal warts
  • Herpes zoster (shingles)
  • Hepatitis C
  • Scabies
  • Mycoplasma genitalium (M.Gen)
  • Pediculosis pubis (crabs)
  • Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES

Access harm reduction supplies including needles, works kits, and safer smoking supplies at the 6th Street Center or at Strut. Find substance use treatment and groups through the Stonewall Project.

TransCare Services

We provide free, trans-inclusive sexual health and gender-affirming hormone (GAH) services. All trans, gender non-binary, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people are welcome. Services, info and advice provided by our trans-led program staff and experienced clinicians.

  • We can prescribe and provide gender-affirming hormones to address the spectrum of trans and non-binary needs.
  • We offer hormone level checks to safely guide dosing changes in line with your transition goals.
  • Bring your gender-affirming hormones with you to your appointment, and a healthcare provider will administer your injection or provide self-injection education and training.
  • Questions about Trans Health? A clinician can provide info and advice about silicone injecting, hormones, pre- and post-op complications, and more.
Vaccinations

San Francisco AIDS Foundation offers free vaccinations and immunizations, which are effective ways to prevent the transmission of serious diseases. Most people who receive vaccinations are protected against infection.

  • Hepatitis A, B vaccines
  • Flu Shots (Fall/Winter)
  • Mpox JYNNEOS vaccine
Diagnosed with an STI? Anonymously let your partners know they should get tested.

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