Gonorrhea Testing near me in Boston, Massachusetts

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most common among young people aged 15-24. If you are sexually active, getting tested for gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is important, especially if you have multiple partners or a new partner. It's also crucial for pregnant women to get tested, as gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed to the baby during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is important because, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems. In women, it can cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to long-term pelvic pain, infertility, and ectopic pregnancy. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can lead to infertility if not treated. Furthermore, gonorrhea can increase your risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Boston, MA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Boston where you can get tested for gonorrhea. For example, Carbon Health Urgent & Primary Care, located at 80 Summer Street, offers STD testing services. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments 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, there are 84 locations in Boston where you can find one.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing sites and community health centers in Boston that offer gonorrhea testing. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment, often at low or no cost.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for gonorrhea are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Boston

In Suffolk County, where Boston is located, there has been a steady increase in gonorrhea cases over the past few years, according to the CDC. This trend mirrors the national trend, as gonorrhea cases have been increasing across the United States.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Boston

Risk factors for gonorrhea include having multiple sexual partners, having a partner with a history of any STI, and inconsistent condom use. Social and economic factors, such as lack of access to quality healthcare, can also contribute to higher rates of gonorrhea.

Other STDs in Boston

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Boston include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Like gonorrhea, these STDs can have serious health consequences if left untreated, further emphasizing the importance of regular testing.