Gonorrhea Testing near me in Lynwood, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhea, especially those with multiple sexual partners. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) specifically recommends that sexually active women under the age of 25, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, get tested for gonorrhea annually. Men who have sex with men should also be tested at least once a year.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems. For women, untreated gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. Men with untreated gonorrhea can develop a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can lead to infertility. Regular testing is crucial as many people with gonorrhea exhibit no symptoms, but can still spread the infection to others.

Gonorrhea testing options in Lynwood, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics in Lynwood, CA, such as Carbon Health in Long Beach, offer gonorrhea testing. These facilities often provide same-day or next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv's website or mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for gonorrhea testing. If you have a long-term relationship with a provider, this can be a comfortable and convenient option.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing centers and community health centers in Lynwood and the surrounding areas. These centers provide important services, particularly for those without insurance.

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 analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Lynwood

Lynwood is part of Los Angeles County, which has one of the highest rates of gonorrhea in the country. According to the CDC, there were over 35,000 reported cases of gonorrhea in Los Angeles County in 2018. This is significantly higher than nearby counties such as San Diego and Orange County.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Lynwood

Risk factors for gonorrhea include having multiple sexual partners, having a partner with a past or current gonorrhea infection, and inconsistent condom use. Young people, particularly those aged 15-24, are at the highest risk.

Other STDs in Lynwood

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Lynwood include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the area, with over 60,000 cases reported in Los Angeles County in 2018. HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are less common, but still present significant health risks. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals.