Gonorrhea Testing near me in Ellicott City, Maryland

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, especially if they have multiple partners. However, individuals aged 15 to 24 years are at a higher risk due to increased sexual activity. People who have had gonorrhea and received treatment can still get infected again if they have sexual contact with a person infected with gonorrhea. Therefore, if you are sexually active, particularly with multiple partners, it is recommended to get tested for gonorrhea.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it helps in early detection and treatment of the disease. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men. In women, gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can cause infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles which can lead to infertility if not treated. Testing for gonorrhea also helps in controlling the spread of the disease.

Gonorrhea testing options in Ellicott City, MD:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics like AllCare Primary & Immediate Care and Lucielle Urgent Care offer gonorrhea testing services. These clinics are a good option as they allow same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are also a good option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide comprehensive care, including testing and treatment for gonorrhea and other STDs/STIs.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing and community health centers provide an affordable option for gonorrhea testing. These centers are often funded by the government or non-profit organizations and offer free or low-cost testing services.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are available and can be a convenient option for those who prefer privacy. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Ellicott City

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Howard County, where Ellicott City is located, is lower compared to the national average. However, the number of cases has been on the rise in recent years. This trend is similar to what is seen in nearby cities like Catonsville, Arbutus, Columbia, Milford Mill, and Elkridge.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Ellicott City

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Ellicott City include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and previous history of any STDs/STIs. Other factors that could contribute to the spread of gonorrhea include low awareness about the disease and lack of access to healthcare services.

Other STDs in Ellicott City

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs/STIs prevalent in Ellicott City include chlamydia, hiv, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, the number of cases for these STDs/STIs has been increasing over the years. Therefore, it is recommended to get tested for these diseases as well, especially if you are at risk.