Gonorrhea Testing near me in Pasadena, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhea, especially those with multiple sexual partners or those who do not use condoms. It is particularly important for sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, and those with HIV to get tested regularly. If you have had gonorrhea before, you should also get tested as reinfection is common.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility. In men, it can lead to painful conditions in the tubes attached to the testicles and could also cause sterility. Moreover, gonorrhea increases the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Early detection through testing allows for effective treatment and prevents these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Pasadena, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like Carbon Health in Pasadena offer gonorrhea testing. These facilities often have shorter wait times and extended hours compared to traditional doctor's offices. You can book same-day and next-day appointments at Carbon Health and other urgent care centers through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also conduct gonorrhea testing. If you have a regular doctor you see, consider reaching out to them for testing, particularly if you have symptoms or believe you may have been exposed.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in and around Pasadena that offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing. These centers are a great resource, particularly for individuals 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 back to a lab for analysis. This is a convenient option, especially for those who prefer privacy.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Pasadena

Pasadena, located in Los Angeles County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years. According to the CDC, Los Angeles County has one of the highest rates of gonorrhea in the country. This trend mirrors the national trend, where gonorrhea cases have been increasing over the past decade.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Pasadena

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Pasadena are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, previous or co-existing sexually transmitted infections, and being a man who has sex with men.

Other STDs in Pasadena

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs like chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Pasadena. In fact, Los Angeles County has some of the highest rates of these STDs in the country. As with gonorrhea, regular testing is key to early detection and treatment of these STDs.