Gonorrhea Testing near me in Lawton, Oklahoma

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting gonorrhea, but certain groups are at a higher risk. According to the CDC, those with multiple sexual partners, those who have had gonorrhea before, and men who have sex with men should get tested regularly. It's also important for pregnant women to get tested, as the disease can be passed on to the baby during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection, but many people don't know they have it because symptoms can be mild or non-existent. If left untreated, gonorrhea can cause serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can lead to infertility. It can also increase your risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Getting tested is the only sure way to know if you have gonorrhea, and early detection can help prevent these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Lawton, OK:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like Xpress Wellness Urgent Care and Access Medical Centers in Lawton offer gonorrhea testing. These facilities often have shorter wait times compared to traditional clinics, and you can book same-day and next-day appointments 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 Lawton, consider reaching out to them for testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in and around Lawton that offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing. These centers are a great resource, especially for those without insurance.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Lawton

According to the CDC, the rate of gonorrhea in Comanche County, where Lawton is located, has been on the rise in recent years. This trend aligns with national data, which shows a significant increase in gonorrhea cases across the United States. It's important to note that these numbers may be underreported due to people not getting tested or not seeking treatment.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Lawton

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Lawton are similar to those in other parts of the country. They include having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex, and having a history of other sexually transmitted infections.

Other STDs in Lawton

Gonorrhea is not the only sexually transmitted infection of concern in Lawton. Other common STDs include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, these diseases can have serious health consequences if left untreated, making regular testing crucial.