Gonorrhea Testing near me in Gladstone, Missouri

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most commonly found in people aged 15-24. If you're sexually active and have multiple partners, or if your partner has been diagnosed with gonorrhea, it's important to get tested. It's also recommended to get tested if you're experiencing symptoms such as unusual discharge, burning during urination, or in women, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection that, if left untreated, can cause serious health problems. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also lead to infertility. Moreover, gonorrhea can increase your risk of getting or giving HIV. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial.

Gonorrhea testing options in Gladstone, MO:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers such as NextCare Urgent Care and Carbon Health Urgent Care in nearby Kansas City, MO, offer gonorrhea testing services. These centers are a good option for those who want to get tested quickly, as they often have same-day or next-day appointments available. You can book an appointment at these centers through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. This option may be more comfortable for some, as it involves a provider you already know and trust.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in and around Gladstone that offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing. These centers are a valuable resource for those without insurance or those who cannot afford the cost of testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. This option offers privacy and convenience.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Gladstone

Gladstone, located in Clay County, MO, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring national trends. Comparatively, the rates in nearby counties such as Johnson County and Warren County are lower. Factors contributing to this increase could include a lack of awareness about the importance of regular testing and unprotected sexual activity.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Gladstone

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Gladstone include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and being a sexually active teenager or young adult. These risk factors are similar to those in other parts of the country.

Other STDs in Gladstone

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Gladstone. Like gonorrhea, these STDs can be detected through testing at local healthcare providers, urgent care centers, or at-home testing kits. Regular testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, particularly those with multiple partners.