Gonorrhea Testing near me in Knoxville, Tennessee

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but certain groups are at higher risk. This includes individuals with multiple sexual partners, those who have had gonorrhea before, and men who have sex with men. In Knoxville, TN, it is recommended that sexually active individuals, particularly those in the higher risk groups, get tested for gonorrhea to ensure early detection and treatment.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as the infection often shows no symptoms, especially in women. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and an increased risk of getting HIV. According to the CDC, testing also helps prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Gonorrhea testing options in Knoxville, TN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers such as AFC Urgent Care offer reliable gonorrhea testing services. With locations at 6108 Kingston Pike, 5150 N Broadway St, and 7564 Chapman Hwy, these highly-rated clinics offer same-day and next-day appointments which can be booked through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another good option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide a comprehensive sexual health check-up and guide you through the testing process.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing centers and community health centers in Knoxville that provide gonorrhea testing. These centers are important resources, particularly for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.

At-home testing

For those who prefer privacy, at-home testing kits are available. These kits can be ordered online, used in the comfort of your home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Knoxville

While the exact number of gonorrhea cases in Knoxville varies from year to year, the city has seen a rise in cases in line with national trends. Compared to nearby cities like Powell, Rockford, Seymour, Louisville, and Mascot, Knoxville has a higher prevalence rate. This could be attributed to various factors including population density and access to healthcare services.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Knoxville

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Knoxville mirror those at the national level. These include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, previous gonorrhea infection, and being a man who has sex with men. Socioeconomic factors such as lack of access to healthcare, poverty, and drug use also contribute to the risk.

Other STDs in Knoxville

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are prevalent in Knoxville. As with gonorrhea, testing for these STDs is crucial for early detection and treatment. Testing can be done at the same locations mentioned above, with 17 nearby locations available for convenient testing.