Gonorrhea Testing near me in Kings Mountain, North Carolina

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

Anyone who is sexually active can potentially contract gonorrhea, but certain groups are at a higher risk. These include sexually active teenagers, young adults, and individuals with multiple sexual partners or those who have other sexually transmitted infections. It's also important for pregnant women to get tested, as untreated gonorrhea can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed to the baby during childbirth. According to the CDC, men who have sex with men should also consider regular gonorrhea testing.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, many people with gonorrhea do not have any symptoms, so they may not know they have the infection. Untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, which can cause infertility. In men, it can lead to a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testicles, which can also cause infertility. Secondly, getting tested and treated can prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Gonorrhea testing options in Kings Mountain, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around Kings Mountain, such as Novant Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in nearby Huntersville, and AFC Urgent Care in Gastonia. These clinics offer same-day and next-day testing appointments, which can be booked 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 regular doctor, you can find one through Solv's network of trusted healthcare providers.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers that offer free or low-cost testing. These centers are a great resource for individuals without insurance or those who cannot afford testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits can be ordered online and used in the privacy of your own home. The samples are then sent to a lab for testing, and the results are usually available within a few days.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Kings Mountain

According to the CDC, the rate of gonorrhea in Gaston County, where Kings Mountain is located, is lower than the national average. However, the rates have been steadily increasing over the past few years, mirroring the national trend. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Raleigh County and Fayette County have higher rates of gonorrhea.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Kings Mountain

The risk factors for gonorrhea in Kings Mountain are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, previous or co-existing sexually transmitted infections, and being a man who has sex with men.

Other STDs in Kings Mountain

In addition to gonorrhea, other common STDs in Kings Mountain include chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis. Chlamydia is the most commonly reported STD in the area, with rates significantly higher than those of gonorrhea. HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis rates are lower, but still present a significant public health concern.