Gonorrhea Testing near me in Hazel Crest, Illinois

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting gonorrhea, especially individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who don't use condoms regularly. The CDC recommends that sexually active women under the age of 25, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, get tested annually. Men who have sex with men should also be tested at least once a year, but more frequently (every 3 to 6 months) if they have multiple or anonymous partners, have sex in conjunction with illicit drug use, or have partners who participate in these activities.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis (a condition that affects the tubes attached to the testicles) in men. According to the CDC, gonorrhea can also increase a person's risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. Moreover, pregnant women with gonorrhea can pass the infection to their babies during childbirth, potentially leading to blindness or life-threatening blood infections in the newborn. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, preventing these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Hazel Crest, IL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers such as Local MD Urgent Care in nearby Homewood offer quick, convenient testing services. You can book same-day and next-day appointments at these centers through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in Hazel Crest or nearby areas.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in and around Hazel Crest that offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's important to check with the center beforehand about costs, appointment requirements, and what types of tests are available.

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. Solv can help you find these resources if needed.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Hazel Crest

Hazel Crest is located in Cook County, which has one of the highest rates of gonorrhea in the state of Illinois. According to the CDC, there has been a steady increase in gonorrhea cases in the county over the past few years. This trend mirrors the national increase in gonorrhea cases and highlights the importance of regular testing.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Hazel Crest

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Hazel Crest are similar to those in other parts of the country and include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and previous or co-existing sexually transmitted infections. The high prevalence of gonorrhea in Cook County suggests that residents of Hazel Crest may be at a higher risk compared to other areas.

Other STDs in Hazel Crest

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Hazel Crest and surrounding areas include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for those who are sexually active, particularly if they have multiple partners or do not regularly use condoms. As with gonorrhea, testing options for these STDs are available through urgent care centers, primary care providers, community health centers, and at-home testing kits.