Gonorrhea Testing near me in St. Ann, Missouri

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect anyone who is sexually active. However, certain individuals are at a higher risk. According to the CDC, sexually active women under the age of 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who have a partner with a known STI should get tested for gonorrhea. It's also recommended for pregnant women as untreated gonorrhea can lead to complications for both mother and baby.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it often exhibits no symptoms, especially in women, making it possible to have and spread the infection without knowing it. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems such as infertility in both men and women, increased risk of getting HIV, and in rare cases, can spread to your blood or joints, which can be life-threatening. Early detection through testing allows for prompt treatment, which can effectively cure the infection and prevent these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in St. Ann, MO:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like Mercy Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in Kirkwood and St. Louis offer gonorrhea testing. These centers are a convenient option as they offer same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also conduct gonorrhea testing. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the St. Ann area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in St. Ann that offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing, especially for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in St. Ann

St. Ann, located in St. Louis County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. While the city's rates are lower than the national average, they are higher than some nearby counties, such as Fulton County and Dyer County. This suggests that gonorrhea is a significant health concern in St. Ann.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in St. Ann

Risk factors for gonorrhea in St. Ann are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, and having unprotected sex. Other factors that could contribute to the prevalence of gonorrhea in St. Ann include lack of access to healthcare, limited sex education, and socioeconomic factors.

Other STDs in St. Ann

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in St. Ann. The rates of these STDs are also higher in St. Ann compared to some nearby counties, highlighting the need for regular STD testing and safe sexual practices.