Gonorrhea Testing near me in Maplewood, Minnesota

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can contract gonorrhea, particularly those with multiple sexual partners. It is highly recommended for individuals aged 25-40, especially if they have new or multiple sexual partners, or a partner with a known STD. Pregnant women should also get tested to avoid passing the infection to their babies during childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is essential as it can cause serious and permanent health problems in both women and men. In women, untreated gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can result in long-term pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. In men, it can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can lead to infertility if left untreated. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, reducing the risk of these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Maplewood, MN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like AFC Urgent Care in Hopkins, MN, and Maple Grove, MN, offer confidential and quick gonorrhea testing. These clinics are highly rated for their short wait times, friendly staff, and clean facilities. 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're already comfortable discussing your sexual health with your primary care provider, this can be a convenient option.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers in Maplewood and the surrounding areas offer free or low-cost gonorrhea testing. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment, often on a sliding fee scale based on your income.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Maplewood

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Washington County, where Maplewood is located, is lower than the national average but has been on the rise in recent years. This trend mirrors what is happening in nearby counties like Ontonagon and Gogebic, and in nearby cities like Oakdale and Woodbury.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Maplewood

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Maplewood include having unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and having a previous or co-existing STD. Other factors contributing to the rise in gonorrhea cases could include lack of awareness about the importance of regular STD testing and access to healthcare services.

Other STDs in Maplewood

While gonorrhea is a concern in Maplewood, other STDs such as chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent. Just like with gonorrhea, regular testing for these STDs is crucial for early detection and treatment. You can get tested for these STDs at any of the 23 nearby testing locations, including the highly rated AFC Urgent Care centers in Hopkins and Maple Grove, MN.