Gonorrhea Testing near me in Benicia, California

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. If you've had unprotected sex, have a new partner, have multiple partners, or a partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, you should consider getting tested. It's also important for pregnant women to get tested as gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed to the baby during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it often has no symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. These include pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can lead to infertility. It can also increase your risk of getting or giving HIV. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, preventing these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Benicia, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are excellent options for gonorrhea testing. They offer same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app. A highly-rated clinic in the area is Carbon Health Urgent Care in nearby Martinez, CA.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. However, remember to ask them to test for gonorrhea specifically as it's not always included in routine STD testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or who prefer a more affordable option, free STD testing is available at community health centers. However, the wait times can be longer than at urgent care or primary care providers.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These can be a convenient option, allowing for privacy and saving time. However, they may not be as accurate as a test done by a healthcare provider.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Benicia

Benicia, located in Solano County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring the national trend. According to the CDC, gonorrhea rates have been increasing nationwide, and Solano County is no exception. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Washoe County and San Mateo County have similar rates, indicating that gonorrhea is a widespread issue in this region.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Benicia

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Benicia are similar to those nationwide. These include having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex, and being aged 15-24. The presence of other STDs also increases the risk of contracting gonorrhea.

Other STDs in Benicia

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also present in Benicia and surrounding areas. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD, followed by gonorrhea. It's important to note that having one STD can increase your risk of contracting another, which is why comprehensive STD testing is recommended.