Gonorrhea Testing near me in Bristol, Connecticut

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it is most commonly found in people aged 15-24. It is especially important for sexually active women under 25, or older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, to get tested annually. Men who have sex with men should also be tested at least once a year.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also lead to infertility. Additionally, gonorrhea can increase your risk of getting or transmitting HIV. According to the CDC, in 2018, Connecticut had a gonorrhea rate of 179.2 cases per 100,000 people, making it important for residents of Bristol, CT to consider getting tested.

Gonorrhea testing options in Bristol, CT:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for gonorrhea testing in Bristol, CT. For instance, PhysicianOne Urgent Care located at 576 Farmington Ave, Bristol, CT 06010, offers same-day and next-day testing appointments that can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you test positive, they can provide treatment or refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing and community health centers in Bristol, CT provide another option for gonorrhea testing. These centers offer confidential testing and treatment services, often on a sliding fee scale based on income.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Bristol

Bristol, located in Hartford County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years. This trend mirrors the national increase in gonorrhea cases. According to the CDC, gonorrhea cases in the United States increased by 82.6% from 2009 to 2018. It is important for residents of Bristol and nearby cities such as Terryville, Plainville, Wolcott, Southington, and Plantsville to be aware of this trend and consider getting tested.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Bristol

Risk factors for gonorrhea include being sexually active, having multiple sex partners, having a partner with a sexually transmitted infection, and not using a condom during sex. Men who have sex with men are also at a higher risk.

Other STDs in Bristol

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Bristol. In 2018, Connecticut had a chlamydia rate of 552.2 cases per 100,000 people and a primary and secondary syphilis rate of 4.5 cases per 100,000 people. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals.