Gonorrhea Testing near me in Heath, Ohio

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's particularly common among young people aged 15-24 years. Those with multiple sexual partners, or those who have a partner with a diagnosed STD, should also consider getting tested. It's also recommended for all sexually active women under the age of 25, as well as older women with risk factors such as new or multiple sex partners, or a sex partner who has a sexually transmitted infection.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. Moreover, gonorrhea can increase your risk of getting or giving HIV. The good news is that gonorrhea is curable, and early detection through testing can ensure prompt treatment and prevent complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Heath, OH:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics offer an accessible option for gonorrhea testing. For example, the Quickmed Urgent Care in nearby Zanesville, OH, offers short wait times and is a reliable option for immediate care. It's also possible to book same-day and next-day testing appointments at these clinics through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another good option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide ongoing care and follow-up after the test, and can also offer advice on prevention and safe sexual practices.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing, making them a good option for those on a tight budget.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea offer a convenient and private option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. Results are usually available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Heath

Heath, located in Licking County, OH, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. Comparatively, the rates of gonorrhea in Heath are higher than in nearby counties such as Fayette County and Indiana County.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Heath

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Heath include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and previous or co-existing STDs. Young people aged 15-24 are particularly at risk.

Other STDs in Heath

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Heath. Chlamydia, in particular, has a high incidence rate, and like gonorrhea, it often shows no symptoms, making regular testing important.

Remember, you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at nearby urgent care centers and medical laboratories through Solv’s website and mobile app. There are 15 nearby locations to get tested at, including Carbon Health and the Integrative Wellness Center in Columbus, OH.