Gonorrhea Testing near me in St. Helens, Oregon

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it is most common among young people aged 15-24 years. If you have had unprotected sex, have a new partner, have multiple partners, or have a partner who has tested positive for an STD/STI, you should consider getting tested for gonorrhea. Additionally, if you are a man who has sex with men, you are at a higher risk and should get tested regularly.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including 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 giving HIV. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Moreover, testing is the only way to know for sure whether or not you have gonorrhea as many people with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms.

Gonorrhea testing options in St. Helens, OR:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

In St. Helens, OR, urgent care and walk-in clinics offer convenient and accessible gonorrhea testing. Highly rated clinics such as Legacy Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in nearby Beaverton and Gresham provide quick and reliable services. You can book same-day and next-day appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for gonorrhea testing. They can provide comprehensive sexual health services, including testing and treatment for gonorrhea and other STDs/STIs.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at community health centers in and around St. Helens. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment services, often on a sliding fee scale based on income.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits can be ordered online and used in the privacy of your own home, with results usually available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in St. Helens

St. Helens, located in Columbia County, OR, has seen a rise in gonorrhea cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. This increase may be due to a number of factors, including increased testing and changes in sexual behavior. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Lincoln, Sherman, and Pierce have reported similar trends.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in St. Helens

Risk factors for gonorrhea in St. Helens include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and having a previous history of any STD/STI. Young people aged 15-24 are particularly at risk.

Other STDs in St. Helens

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs/STIs in St. Helens include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, these infections can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial for those at risk.