Gonorrhea Testing near me in Lake Stevens, Washington

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most commonly found in people between the ages of 15-24. Particularly, those who have multiple sexual partners or a new sexual partner should consider getting tested. It's also recommended for all sexually active women younger than 25 years, 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.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles. In rare cases, gonorrhea can spread to your blood or joints, which can be life-threatening. Moreover, having gonorrhea increases your risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Lake Stevens, WA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

One of the most convenient options for gonorrhea testing in Lake Stevens is through urgent care and walk-in clinics. Indigo in Lake Stevens, WA, with a high rating of 4.76 and commended for its cleanliness, offers STD testing services. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at Indigo through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also conduct gonorrhea testing. If you have a regular doctor, they can provide you with a test and discuss your results and treatment options in a familiar and comfortable setting.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers in and around Lake Stevens also offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment, and some may offer walk-in appointments.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. They provide privacy and convenience, allowing you to take the test at your own time and pace. Results are usually available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Lake Stevens

Lake Stevens, located in Snohomish County, WA, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring the national trend. According to the CDC, the rate of gonorrhea in Snohomish County has been consistently higher than the national average. The prevalence in Lake Stevens and nearby cities like Lake Cassidy, Three Lakes, Marysville, Everett, and Sisco Heights underlines the importance of regular testing.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Lake Stevens

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Lake Stevens are similar to those in other parts of the country. They include being sexually active and under 25, having multiple sexual partners, having another STD, and not using a condom consistently.

Other STDs in Lake Stevens

Gonorrhea is not the only STD of concern in Lake Stevens. Other common STDs include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, these infections can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, further highlighting the importance of regular testing.