Gonorrhea Testing near me in Loma Linda, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it is most prevalent among young people aged 15-24 years. Those who have multiple sexual partners, a new sexual partner, or a sexual partner who has a sexually transmitted infection are at a higher risk. It is recommended that sexually active women under 25 years of age, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, get tested annually. Men who have sex with men should also get tested at least once a year.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including infertility in both men and women. It can also increase a person's risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Moreover, pregnant women with gonorrhea can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth, which can lead to blindness or life-threatening infections in the newborn. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, thereby preventing these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Loma Linda, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics offer convenient and immediate testing services for gonorrhea. Carbon Health Urgent Care in nearby Highland, CA, is one such location. Through Solv, you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at this clinic.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another good option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide ongoing care and follow-up after testing, ensuring that any infection is effectively treated and managed.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing services. These centers are a valuable resource for those without insurance or with limited financial means.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea provide a private and convenient option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Loma Linda

While specific data for Loma Linda is not readily available, San Bernardino County, in which Loma Linda is located, reported a gonorrhea rate of 190.2 cases per 100,000 population in 2018, according to the CDC. This is higher than the national average of 179.1 cases per 100,000 population.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Loma Linda

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Loma Linda are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, having a new sexual partner, having a sexual partner with an STD, and being a man who has sex with men.

Other STDs in Loma Linda

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also present in Loma Linda and surrounding areas. Chlamydia is particularly prevalent, with San Bernardino County reporting a rate of 554.3 cases per 100,000 population in 2018, significantly higher than the national average of 539.9 cases per 100,000 population, according to the CDC.