Gonorrhea Testing near me in Chicago, Illinois

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, particularly those with new or multiple sex partners, or those who don't use a condom consistently. It's also recommended for all sexually active women under 25, as well as older women with risk factors like new or multiple sex partners.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. Furthermore, gonorrhea can increase one's risk of getting or transmitting HIV. The good news is, gonorrhea can be easily diagnosed with a test and treated with antibiotics, according to the CDC.

Gonorrhea testing options in Chicago, IL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Chicago residents have access to several urgent care and walk-in clinics for gonorrhea testing, such as Midwest Express Clinic and Little Village Immediate Care. These clinics offer same-day and next-day appointments, which can be conveniently booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another excellent option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide a comprehensive sexual health check-up, including gonorrhea testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Chicago is home to several community health centers that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers are a valuable resource, particularly for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. This option offers privacy and convenience, although it's important to ensure the test is from a reputable source.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Chicago

Chicago, located in Cook County, has seen fluctuating rates of gonorrhea over the years. According to the CDC, Cook County reported over 13,000 cases of gonorrhea in 2019, making it one of the counties with the highest rates in the country. This underscores the importance of regular testing, particularly for those in high-risk groups.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Chicago

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Chicago mirror those at the national level. These include being sexually active, having new or multiple sex partners, inconsistent condom use, and being a sexually active woman under 25.

Other STDs in Chicago

Gonorrhea is not the only STD of concern in Chicago. Other common STDs include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. In fact, Cook County reported over 30,000 cases of chlamydia in 2019, more than double the number of gonorrhea cases. This highlights the need for comprehensive STD testing, which can be done at any of the 119 testing locations in the area.