Gonorrhea Testing near me in Shafter, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for gonorrhea, particularly if they have multiple sexual partners, a new sexual partner, or a partner who has been diagnosed with an STD. It's also important for pregnant women to get tested, as untreated gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed on to the baby during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because many people with the infection don't have symptoms but can still spread the disease. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, including infertility in both men and women, increased risk of getting or transmitting HIV, and in rare cases, can spread to the blood or joints, which can be life-threatening.

Gonorrhea testing options in Shafter, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like Priority Urgent Care in Bakersfield, CA, offer gonorrhea testing. These clinics are a convenient option as they offer same-day and next-day appointments which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you're already seeing a doctor regularly, this might be the most convenient option for you.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in and around Shafter that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers are a good option for those who may not have insurance or who are looking for more affordable testing options.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. This is a good option for those who value privacy and convenience.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Shafter

According to the CDC, Kern County, where Shafter is located, has seen an increase in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. This highlights the importance of regular testing, particularly for those in high-risk groups.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Shafter

Risk factors for gonorrhea include having multiple sexual partners, having a partner with a diagnosed STD, and not using a condom consistently. Additionally, those who have previously been diagnosed with an STD are at higher risk.

Other STDs in Shafter

In addition to gonorrhea, there are also high rates of other STDs in Shafter and the surrounding areas, including chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. This underscores the importance of comprehensive STD testing, particularly for those in high-risk groups.