Gonorrhea Testing near me in Pineville, North Carolina

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 and should consider getting tested regularly. These include sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with a previous gonorrhea diagnosis or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it often presents no symptoms, especially in women, but can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. These complications include pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can result in infertility. Furthermore, gonorrhea increases the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent these complications and stop the spread of the disease.

Gonorrhea testing options in Pineville, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics offer quick and convenient testing services. Novant Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in nearby Huntersville and AFC Urgent Care in Charlotte are two highly-rated options where you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are a good option for regular testing, especially for those at higher risk. If you have a primary care provider in Pineville or the surrounding areas, consider discussing your sexual health and the need for gonorrhea testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or with limited income, free STD testing and community health centers are available. These centers often provide testing at a lower cost or even for free.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another convenient 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 Pineville

Pineville, located in Mecklenburg County, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring the national trend. According to the CDC, the number of gonorrhea cases in the county has been higher than the national average. It is important to note that these numbers may be underreported due to the asymptomatic nature of the disease.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Pineville

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Pineville include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, previous or co-existing STDs, and being a man who has sex with men. The rise in cases may also be attributed to increased testing and changes in sexual behavior.

Other STDs in Pineville

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Pineville. In fact, chlamydia rates are higher than gonorrhea rates in the area. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for those at risk.