Gonorrhea Testing near me in Charlotte, North Carolina

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it is more common among people aged 15-24. It is particularly recommended that sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with new or multiple sex partners get tested for gonorrhea.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. For women, untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result in infertility. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also lead to infertility. Regular testing is the only way to detect gonorrhea early and prevent these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Charlotte, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are convenient options for gonorrhea testing. For instance, Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care in Huntersville, NC, and AFC Urgent Care in Charlotte, NC, are highly rated and offer same-day or next-day testing appointments which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another reliable option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide confidential testing and treatment, along with advice on prevention and safe sex practices.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing and community health centers in Charlotte, NC, offer affordable and accessible testing services. These centers are particularly beneficial for individuals without insurance or those who cannot afford the cost of testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option for those who prefer privacy or cannot visit a clinic. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and sent back to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Charlotte

According to the CDC, Charlotte, located in Mecklenburg County, has seen an increase in gonorrhea cases over the past few years. The trend is similar to the national data, with gonorrhea being the second most commonly reported STD in the United States.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Charlotte

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Charlotte include having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and previous STD infections. The prevalence of gonorrhea is also higher among young adults aged 15-24.

Other STDs in Charlotte

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Charlotte include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Regular testing for these STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals, particularly those with risk factors similar to those for gonorrhea.