Gonorrhea Testing near me in Bowie, Maryland

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most commonly found among people aged 15-24. If you're in this age group, have multiple sexual 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 doesn't show symptoms, especially in women, but can cause serious health problems if left untreated. These include pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to infertility, and epididymitis in men, which can also result in infertility. According to the CDC, gonorrhea can also increase your risk of getting or transmitting HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Bowie, MD:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are numerous urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around Bowie, MD, where you can get tested for gonorrhea. AllCare Primary & Immediate Care in Silver Spring, MD, is highly rated and offers short wait times. You can book same-day or next-day 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 and book an appointment.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in the Bowie area that offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's important to call ahead as some centers require an appointment.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These can be ordered online and used in the privacy of your own home. After sending the sample back to the lab, you'll receive your results electronically.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Bowie

Bowie is in Prince George's County, MD, which has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, gonorrhea rates have increased by 63% across the U.S. since 2014. It's important to note that these numbers may not reflect the true prevalence of gonorrhea as many cases go unreported due to the lack of symptoms.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Bowie

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Bowie are similar to those nationwide. These include being sexually active, especially with multiple partners, being aged 15-24, and having a history of other STDs. Lack of condom use and having a partner with a known STD also increase the risk.

Other STDs in Bowie

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Bowie. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the area, followed by gonorrhea. HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis rates are lower, but still present a significant health risk. As with gonorrhea, these STDs can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing important.