Gonorrhea Testing near me in Huntington Beach, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually active women under the age of 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, should be tested for gonorrhea. It's important to remember that gonorrhea can be asymptomatic, meaning you may not show symptoms but can still spread the infection.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can lead to a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can cause infertility if left untreated. Furthermore, gonorrhea increases your risk of getting or giving HIV. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, which can prevent these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Huntington Beach, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide convenient, same-day testing for gonorrhea. Rume Health in Huntington Beach and Carbon Health Urgent Care in Costa Mesa are two highly-rated options. Both facilities have short wait times and friendly staff. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at each through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. It's often part of a routine sexual health check-up. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find trusted healthcare providers in your area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at various community health centers in and around Huntington Beach. These centers provide confidential testing, often at low or no cost.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach, located in Orange County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, Orange County reported 2,847 cases of gonorrhea in 2018, a significant increase from the previous year. This rate is lower than in nearby Los Angeles County but higher than in San Diego County.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Huntington Beach

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Huntington Beach include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, and having a partner with a sexually transmitted infection. The use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmission.

Other STDs in Huntington Beach

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Huntington Beach. In 2018, Orange County reported 10,801 cases of chlamydia, 335 cases of HIV, 278 cases of syphilis, and 140 cases of hepatitis. Regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment of these STDs.