Gonorrhea Testing near me in Shreveport, Louisiana

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it is most commonly found among young people aged 15-24 years. Those at higher risk include individuals with multiple sexual partners, those who have had gonorrhea before, and those who have other sexually transmitted infections. Men who have sex with men are also at a higher risk. It's important for individuals in these risk groups in Shreveport, LA, and surrounding areas like Bossier City, Barksdale Afb, Red Chute, Eastwood, and Benton to consider regular testing.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial to prevent serious health complications. Untreated gonorrhea can cause severe and permanent health problems in both women and men. In women, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can lead to a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles which can cause infertility. Additionally, gonorrhea can increase your risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Shreveport, LA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Shreveport that offer gonorrhea testing. HealthCARE Express and Quick Urgent Care Center are two such facilities where you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments 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 Shreveport or nearby areas.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in Shreveport that offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing. Total Care Medical Clinic is one such location.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are another option. These can be purchased online or at a local pharmacy. The sample is collected at home and then sent to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Shreveport

While specific data for Shreveport is not readily available, according to the CDC, Louisiana has one of the highest rates of gonorrhea in the country. It's important for residents of Shreveport and nearby areas to be aware of this prevalence and consider regular testing, especially if they fall into one of the higher risk groups.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Shreveport

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Shreveport mirror those on a national level. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, having a previous diagnosis of gonorrhea, and having other sexually transmitted infections.

Other STDs in Shreveport

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in the Shreveport area include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Regular testing is recommended for these STDs as well, especially for those in high-risk groups. Testing locations mentioned earlier, such as HealthCARE Express, Quick Urgent Care Center, and Total Care Medical Clinic, also offer testing for these STDs.