Gonorrhea Testing near me in Lawrence, Kansas

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most commonly diagnosed in people ages 15-24. If you've had unprotected sex, have a new partner, have multiple partners, or a partner who has a sexually transmitted infection, you should consider getting tested. It's also important for pregnant women to get tested, as gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed to the baby during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it often has no symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. These include pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility, and epididymitis in men, which can also cause infertility. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, preventing these complications and stopping the spread of the infection to others.

Gonorrhea testing options in Lawrence, KS:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for gonorrhea testing, with same-day and next-day appointments available. You can book an appointment at a local clinic, such as NextCare Urgent Care in Lawrence, through Solv's website or mobile app. These clinics provide quick, confidential testing and treatment.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you have a regular doctor you see, it might be most comfortable for you to discuss your concerns and get tested there.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers and free STD testing clinics in Lawrence and the surrounding areas. These centers provide free or low-cost testing and treatment options.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits are sent to your home, where you can take the test and send it back to a lab for analysis. This option offers privacy and convenience, but it's important to ensure the test is from a reliable source.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Lawrence

Lawrence, located in Douglas County, has seen a steady increase in gonorrhea cases over the past few years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, gonorrhea rates have been rising across the country, and Lawrence is no exception. Comparatively, Lawrence has a higher prevalence of gonorrhea than some nearby counties, such as Johnson County and Warren County, but lower than others like Dallas County and Wayne County.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Lawrence

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Lawrence are similar to those nationwide. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, having a new sexual partner, not using a condom, and having a history of other sexually transmitted infections.

Other STDs in Lawrence

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Lawrence include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, these STDs can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing important for anyone who is sexually active. The rates of these STDs in Lawrence are also on the rise, following national trends.