Gonorrhea Testing near me in Malvern, Arkansas

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most commonly found in people aged 15-24. Those who have multiple sexual partners or a new partner, as well as those who don't use a condom consistently, should consider getting tested. It's also recommended for men who have sex with men, and for pregnant women, as the infection can be passed to the baby during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, many people with gonorrhea don't exhibit symptoms, so they might not know they have it. Secondly, if left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility, and epididymitis in men, which can also lead to infertility. Lastly, having gonorrhea increases your risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Malvern, AR:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like Baptist Health Urgent Care in Hot Springs and Benton, AR, offer gonorrhea testing. These facilities are highly rated for their short wait times, friendly staff, and clean environments. You can book same-day and next-day appointments at these locations through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also conduct gonorrhea testing. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the Malvern area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in and around Malvern that offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing. These centers are a good option for those without insurance or who can't afford the cost of testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits can be ordered online and used in the privacy of your own home, with results typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Malvern

While specific data for Malvern is not readily available, Arkansas has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, according to the CDC. This trend mirrors what's happening at the national level, where gonorrhea cases have been increasing since 2013. It's important for residents of Malvern and surrounding areas to be aware of this trend and consider getting tested.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Malvern

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Malvern are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple or new sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, being a man who has sex with men, and being a sexually active woman under 25.

Other STDs in Malvern

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs like chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Arkansas. Like gonorrhea, these STDs can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing important for those at risk. Testing for these STDs can often be done at the same time as gonorrhea testing.