Gonorrhea Testing near me in Etowah, Tennessee

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, though some groups are at higher risk. These include sexually active teenagers, young adults, and people with multiple sexual partners. Those who have had gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted infections in the past, or those whose partners have had these infections, should also consider getting tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial, as it often has no symptoms but can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. These can include pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility, and in men, it can lead to painful conditions in the tubes attached to the testicles, potentially affecting fertility. According to the CDC, untreated gonorrhea can also increase a person's risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Etowah, TN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics offer convenient, same-day testing for gonorrhea. AFC Urgent Care in Athens, TN, and Cleveland, TN, are highly rated and trusted healthcare providers in the area. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at each through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for gonorrhea. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the Etowah area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing and community health centers provide another option for gonorrhea testing. These centers often offer testing at a lower cost or even for free, making them an accessible option for many.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for testing. Results are usually available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Etowah

The prevalence of gonorrhea in Etowah is reflective of trends seen in McMinn County and nearby counties such as Bullitt County, Madison County, Washington County, Wise County, and Dickenson County. While specific data for Etowah is not readily available, it's important to note that gonorrhea rates can vary and are influenced by factors such as population density, access to healthcare, and public health initiatives.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Etowah

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Etowah are similar to those in other areas and include having multiple sexual partners, having a partner with a history of any STD, and inconsistent condom use. Socioeconomic factors such as limited access to quality healthcare and lower income levels can also contribute to higher rates of gonorrhea.

Other STDs in Etowah

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Etowah and the surrounding areas include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. As with gonorrhea, testing for these STDs is crucial for treatment and preventing their spread. Testing can be done at the same locations mentioned above, including urgent care centers, primary care providers, free STD testing centers, and at-home testing.