Gonorrhea Testing near me in Bloomington, Minnesota

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but it's most common among people aged 15-24. Those who have multiple sexual partners, have a partner with a past or current gonorrhea infection, or don't regularly use condoms should consider getting tested. It's also recommended for all pregnant women, as untreated gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it often presents no symptoms, especially in women. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also lead to infertility. According to the CDC, it also increases your risk of getting or giving HIV.

Gonorrhea testing options in Bloomington, MN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide convenient, same-day testing options. M Health Fairview Urgent Care in Bloomington, MN, located at 600 W 98th St, is one such facility where you can get tested. You can book same-day and next-day appointments through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also conduct gonorrhea tests. If you have a regular doctor, they can guide you through the testing process and discuss treatment options if necessary.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers are a great resource, especially for those without insurance or with limited financial means.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Bloomington

While specific data for Bloomington is not readily available, Dakota County, where Bloomington is located, reported a gonorrhea rate of 102.4 per 100,000 people in 2018, according to the Minnesota Department of Health. This is lower than the national average, which the CDC reported as 179.1 cases per 100,000 people in the same year.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Bloomington

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Bloomington are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include being sexually active, having multiple sexual partners, not using condoms consistently or correctly, and having a history of other STDs.

Other STDs in Bloomington

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs are also prevalent in Bloomington and the surrounding areas. Chlamydia is the most reported STD in Dakota County, with a rate of 409.7 cases per 100,000 people in 2018. Other STDs, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis, are less common but still present a risk. Regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment of these diseases.