Gonorrhea Testing near me in Bakersfield, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, particularly people with multiple sexual partners. It is especially recommended for sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with new or multiple sexual partners. It is also advised for those who have been diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or whose partners have been diagnosed with an STI.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it is a common infection that often has no symptoms. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, epididymitis in men, and even infertility in both sexes. Moreover, having gonorrhea increases the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Early detection through testing allows for prompt treatment, which can effectively cure the infection and prevent complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Bakersfield, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Bakersfield that offer gonorrhea testing. For instance, Priority Urgent Care has three highly-rated locations in Bakersfield. You can book same-day or next-day appointments at these clinics through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are also a reliable option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide comprehensive sexual health services, including testing and treatment for gonorrhea and other STIs.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those who are uninsured or underinsured, free STD testing is available at several community health centers in Bakersfield. These centers provide confidential testing and counseling services.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are another convenient option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Bakersfield

Bakersfield, located in Kern County, has seen an increase in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, Kern County's gonorrhea rate is higher than the national average. The prevalence of gonorrhea in Bakersfield and nearby cities such as Oildale, Rosedale, Lamont, Arvin, and Shafter is a public health concern that underscores the importance of regular testing.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Bakersfield

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Bakersfield include having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, previous or co-existing STIs, and being a man who has sex with men. These factors are similar to those in nearby counties such as Tuolumne, Nye, Esmeralda, Clark, and Mineral.

Other STDs in Bakersfield

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Bakersfield. Chlamydia, in particular, has a higher incidence rate than gonorrhea. Regular testing for all these STIs is recommended for sexually active individuals, especially those with risk factors.