Gonorrhea Testing near me in Tacoma, Washington

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, especially if they have multiple partners. However, according to the CDC, certain groups are at a higher risk. These include sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with a history of other sexually transmitted diseases. If you fall into one of these categories or have had unprotected sex with a partner whose STD status you do not know, you should consider getting tested.

Importance of getting tested

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including infertility in both men and women. According to the CDC, many people with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms, so testing is the only sure way to know if you have this STD. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and stop the spread of the infection to others.

Gonorrhea testing options in Tacoma, WA

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for gonorrhea testing, often offering same-day appointments. Mary Bridge Children's Urgent Care in nearby Gig Harbor and Tran Urgent Care & Wellness Centers in Tacoma are both trusted healthcare providers that offer STD testing. You can book appointments at these locations through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you have a regular doctor in Tacoma or nearby cities like Fife or University Place, consider reaching out to them for testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. While these centers may not offer the convenience of same-day appointments, they are a valuable resource for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent to a lab for analysis. It's a good option for those who value privacy and convenience.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Tacoma

According to the CDC, Pierce County, where Tacoma is located, has seen an increase in gonorrhea cases in recent years. This trend mirrors a nationwide increase in gonorrhea cases. While the exact number of cases in Tacoma is not available, the increase in Pierce County suggests that gonorrhea is a concern for residents of Tacoma and nearby cities like Milton and Parkland.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Tacoma

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Tacoma are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex, and having a history of other STDs. Men who have sex with men are also at a higher risk.

Other STDs in Tacoma

Gonorrhea is not the only STD of concern in Tacoma. Other common STDs include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, these STDs can have serious health consequences if left untreated, but they can be managed effectively with early detection and treatment. Testing for these STDs is available at many of the same locations that test for gonorrhea, including urgent care centers, primary care providers, and community health centers.