Gonorrhea Testing near me in Irvine, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's particularly common among young people aged 15-24 years. Those who have multiple sexual partners or a new partner, men who have sex with men, or anyone who has had gonorrhea before or other sexually transmitted diseases should consider getting tested. It's also recommended for all sexually active women under 25 years old, older women with new or multiple partners, and pregnant women.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility. In men, it can lead to a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also cause infertility. Gonorrhea can also increase your risk of getting or giving HIV. Moreover, babies born to mothers with gonorrhea can develop blindness, joint infection, or a life-threatening blood infection.

Gonorrhea testing options in Irvine, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are excellent options for gonorrhea testing. They offer quick, convenient services, often with same-day or next-day appointments available. One such facility is Carbon Health in Irvine, CA, with a high rating of 4.54 and known for its short wait times and cleanliness.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. They can provide you with a confidential environment to discuss your sexual health concerns and guide you through the testing process.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers and free STD testing clinics are also available in Irvine and the surrounding areas. These centers provide testing services, often on a sliding fee scale based on income, making them an affordable option for many individuals.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another convenient option. They offer privacy and can be ordered online or picked up at a local pharmacy. The sample is collected at home and sent to a lab for testing, with results typically available online within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Irvine

While Irvine is generally known for its low STD rates compared to other cities in California, gonorrhea cases have been on the rise, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, gonorrhea rates have been increasing in Orange County, where Irvine is located. It's crucial to stay informed about local trends and get tested regularly if you're sexually active.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Irvine

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Irvine are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, having a partner with a history of any STD, inconsistent condom usage, and engaging in sexual activity at a young age.

Other STDs in Irvine

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also present in Irvine. Chlamydia, in particular, has a higher prevalence rate than gonorrhea. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals to ensure early detection and treatment.

Remember, you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at nearby urgent care centers and medical laboratories through Solv’s website and mobile app. With 187 nearby locations to get tested at, Irvine residents have plenty of options for convenient and confidential STD testing.