Gonorrhea Testing near me in Healdsburg, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those who are sexually active and under the age of 25 should get tested annually for gonorrhea. Additionally, men who have sex with men, and individuals with new or multiple sexual partners, or a partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, should also get tested. Pregnant women should be tested as well, 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 as it often shows no symptoms, particularly in women, leading to it being referred to as a 'silent' infection. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. It can also increase the risk of getting or giving HIV. Early detection through testing allows for effective treatment, usually with antibiotics, which can prevent these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Healdsburg, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers, like Concentra Urgent Care in Santa Rosa, offer convenient, same-day or next-day gonorrhea testing. You can easily book an appointment through Solv's website or mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in your area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers, such as True North Health Center in Santa Rosa, often offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits can be purchased online or at a pharmacy, and allow you to collect a sample at home that you send to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Healdsburg

Healdsburg, located in Sonoma County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. While rates in Healdsburg are lower than in some nearby counties such as San Mateo and Washoe, they are higher than in others like Tuolumne and Yolo.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Healdsburg

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Healdsburg include being sexually active and under 25, having new or multiple sexual partners, and having another STI. Men who have sex with men are also at higher risk.

Other STDs in Healdsburg

In addition to gonorrhea, other STIs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Healdsburg. As with gonorrhea, these STIs can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing important for those at risk. Testing for these STIs can often be done at the same time as gonorrhea testing.