Gonorrhea Testing near me in Abilene, Texas

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea. However, individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who don't use a condom are at higher risk. It's particularly important for sexually active women under 25, men who have sex with men, and individuals with HIV to get tested regularly.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial as the infection often shows no symptoms, especially in women. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease in women and epididymitis in men, both of which can cause infertility. Additionally, gonorrhea can increase your chances of getting or transmitting HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Abilene, TX:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Abilene offers several urgent care and walk-in clinics for gonorrhea testing. One such option is the Baylor Scott & White Partner located at 3802 Catclaw Dr, Abilene, TX 79606, and 1634 TX-351, Abilene, TX 79601. Another recommended clinic is Affordacare Urgent Care at 4009 Ridgemont Dr, Abilene, TX 79606. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at these locations through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers in Abilene can also provide gonorrhea testing. If you have a primary care provider, consider discussing your concerns with them, as they can provide comprehensive care, including testing and treatment for gonorrhea.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in Abilene that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers are a great resource for those who may not have insurance or who cannot afford the cost of testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another convenient option for gonorrhea testing. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Abilene

While exact numbers for Abilene specifically are not readily available, according to the CDC, Texas has seen a steady increase in gonorrhea cases over the past few years. This trend aligns with the national increase in gonorrhea cases. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Hill County, McCulloch County, Tom Green County, Grady County, and Caddo County also report similar trends.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Abilene

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Abilene are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and having a previous history of any STDs. Socioeconomic factors such as limited access to healthcare and lower income levels can also contribute to higher rates of gonorrhea.

Other STDs in Abilene

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Abilene. Similar to gonorrhea, these STDs also require regular testing for early detection and treatment. The same testing locations mentioned earlier, including the Baylor Scott & White Partner and Affordacare Urgent Care, also offer testing for these STDs.