Gonorrhea Testing near me in Orlando, Florida

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can cause infections in the genitals, rectum, and throat. However, it is particularly common among young people aged 15-24 years. It's recommended that sexually active women under 25, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, should get tested for gonorrhea. Men who have sex with men should also get tested for gonorrhea annually.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because, according to the CDC, many people with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems, including pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis (a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles) in men. Gonorrhea can also increase a person’s risk of getting or giving HIV. Pregnant women with gonorrhea can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth, which can cause blindness or a life-threatening infection in the baby.

Gonorrhea testing options in Orlando, FL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Orlando, FL, and its surrounding areas offer numerous urgent care and walk-in clinics where you can get tested for gonorrhea. For instance, ER Care- Walk-in Urgent Care and Prestige Urgent Care in Orlando, FL, are both highly rated and provide STD testing services. These clinics offer the convenience of same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are also a good option for gonorrhea testing. These healthcare professionals can provide testing and treatment for gonorrhea and other STDs, and can also discuss prevention strategies.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers and clinics in Orlando that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment services, regardless of your ability to pay.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are another option. These can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Orlando

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Orlando, FL, and the surrounding Orange County has been on the rise in recent years, mirroring a national trend. This increase could be due to a number of factors, including changes in sexual behavior and an increase in the use of dating apps.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Orlando

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Orlando include having multiple sex partners, having a sex partner with a history of any STD, inconsistent condom use, and being a man who has sex with men. Young age, urban residence, and lower socioeconomic status are also associated with higher rates of gonorrhea.

Other STDs in Orlando

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Orlando. As with gonorrhea, these STDs can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial for anyone who is sexually active.