Gonorrhea Testing near me in Alexandria, Virginia

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most commonly seen in people between the ages of 15 and 24. Those with multiple sexual partners or a new partner, as well as those who don't use a condom consistently, should consider getting tested. It's also recommended for all sexually active women under 25, as well as older women with risk factors like a new sex partner or multiple partners.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it often has no symptoms, especially in women. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can lead to infertility. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also lead to infertility. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, preventing these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Alexandria, VA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are convenient options for gonorrhea testing in Alexandria. AllCare Primary & Immediate Care and tru Primary & Urgent Care (Medical Access) are two highly rated clinics in the area. They offer short wait times and friendly staff. You can book same-day and next-day appointments at these clinics through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide comprehensive care and follow-up treatment if necessary. If you don't have a regular primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the Alexandria area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at various community health centers in Alexandria. These centers provide confidential testing, and some even offer same-day results.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also an option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis. You'll receive your results via email or a secure online account.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Alexandria

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Alexandria is consistent with the national average. However, rates have been slowly increasing over the past few years. This trend is similar to what's being seen in nearby cities like Belle Haven and Oxon Hill, as well as in nearby counties such as Fayette County and Sussex County.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Alexandria

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Alexandria are similar to those nationwide. These include being sexually active, especially without consistent condom use, having multiple sexual partners, and being a sexually active woman under 25.

Other STDs in Alexandria

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs like chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Alexandria. In fact, chlamydia rates are higher than gonorrhea rates in the city. It's important to get tested for these STDs as well, as they can also have serious health consequences if left untreated.