Gonorrhea Testing near me in Clarksville, Tennessee

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's particularly common among young people aged 15-24 years. It's recommended that sexually active women under 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, get tested annually. Men who have sex with men should also get tested at least once a year.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men. In women, gonorrhea can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which can lead to long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles which can lead to infertility. Moreover, gonorrhea can increase your risk of getting or giving HIV. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Clarksville, TN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics in Clarksville, TN provide quick and convenient gonorrhea testing services. Ascension Saint Thomas Urgent Care, with locations on Fort Campbell Blvd and Wilma Rudolph Blvd, offers 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 reliable source for gonorrhea testing. They can provide confidential testing and treatment, along with advice and support for prevention.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in Clarksville that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers provide confidential testing and counseling services.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Clarksville

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Montgomery County, where Clarksville is located, is slightly lower than the Tennessee state average. However, it's important to note that rates can vary widely from year to year and among different population groups.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Clarksville

The risk factors for gonorrhea in Clarksville are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, having a previous history of any STDs, and inconsistent use of condoms during sex.

Other STDs in Clarksville

While gonorrhea is a common STD in Clarksville, it's not the only one. Other prevalent STDs include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Regular testing is recommended for these as well, especially for those with risk factors. Like gonorrhea, these STDs can also be tested at local urgent care centers, primary care providers, community health centers, and with at-home testing kits.