Gonorrhea Testing near me in Paterson, New Jersey

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, certain groups are at a higher risk. These include sexually active teenagers, young adults, and men who have sex with men. If you belong to these groups, or if you have had unprotected sex, have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection, or have a partner who has been diagnosed with gonorrhea, you should consider getting tested.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that often shows no symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications, including infertility in women, increased risk of getting HIV, and potentially life-threatening complications. Getting tested is the only sure way to know if you have gonorrhea. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and stop the spread of the infection.

Gonorrhea testing options in Paterson, NJ:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around Paterson, NJ that offer gonorrhea testing. For instance, Everyday Urgent Care in Maywood, NJ, is a highly-rated facility that provides testing services. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at this location through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you have a regular doctor in Paterson, consider discussing your concerns with them. They can provide a test and discuss treatment options if needed.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in Paterson that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment services, regardless of your ability to pay.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. This can be a convenient option if you prefer privacy or are unable to visit a clinic.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Paterson

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Paterson, NJ, is consistent with the national average. However, the rates can fluctuate year by year and vary between different groups. It's important to note that Paterson is part of Passaic County, which has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, similar to trends seen in nearby counties such as Hampshire County and Worcester County.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Paterson

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Paterson include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, previous or co-existing sexually transmitted infections, and drug use. Social and economic factors can also contribute to the spread of gonorrhea. These include poverty, limited access to healthcare, and stigma associated with seeking care for STDs.

Other STDs in Paterson

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Paterson include chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis. The rates of these infections are also consistent with national averages. However, like gonorrhea, the prevalence of these STDs can vary year by year and between different groups. It's important to get tested regularly if you are at risk.