Gonorrhea Testing near me in Irmo, South Carolina

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhea, but certain groups are at higher risk. These include sexually active teenagers, young adults, and individuals with multiple sexual partners. If you are part of these groups, or if you have had unprotected sex, you should consider getting tested for gonorrhea.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial for several reasons. First, gonorrhea often has no symptoms, especially in women, so you may not know you have it unless you get tested. Second, untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. Finally, having gonorrhea increases your risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Irmo, SC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for gonorrhea testing in Irmo, SC. For example, MEDcare Urgent Care in West Columbia and AFC Urgent Care in Columbia offer STD testing services. You can book same-day and next-day appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also test for gonorrhea. If you have a long-term relationship with a provider, this can be a comfortable and convenient option.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at community health centers in and around Irmo. These centers provide confidential testing, regardless of your ability to pay.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Irmo

While specific data for Irmo is not readily available, Lexington County, where Irmo is located, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, gonorrhea rates have increased across the country, and South Carolina is no exception.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Irmo

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Irmo are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, and not using condoms consistently.

Other STDs in Irmo

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs, including chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, are also a concern in the Irmo area. As with gonorrhea, rates of these STDs have been increasing in recent years. Regular testing is the best way to catch these infections early and get appropriate treatment.