Gonorrhea Testing near me in Santa Cruz, California

Who should get tested for gonorrhea?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get gonorrhea, but some groups are at higher risk. These include sexually active young people, men who have sex with men, and individuals with new or multiple sex partners. If you fall into any of these categories and live in Santa Cruz or the surrounding areas, including Soquel, Capitola, Scotts Valley, Mount Hermon, and Felton, it is recommended that you get tested for gonorrhea.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for gonorrhea is crucial because it is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious and permanent health problems if left untreated. According to the CDC, gonorrhea can cause infertility in both men and women, increase your risk of getting HIV, and can also spread to your blood or joints, which can be life-threatening. By getting tested, you can get the treatment you need and prevent these complications.

Gonorrhea testing options in Santa Cruz, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Santa Cruz and nearby cities where you can get tested for gonorrhea. For instance, Carbon Health in San Jose and Instant Urgent Care in Santa Clara both offer STD testing services. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at these locations 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, Solv can help you find one in Santa Cruz or nearby areas.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in Santa Cruz County that offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's important to check with the center beforehand to see if they offer gonorrhea testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing is another option for gonorrhea. These tests can be ordered online, done in the privacy of your own home, and then sent to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of gonorrhea in Santa Cruz

According to the CDC, the prevalence of gonorrhea in Santa Cruz County is lower than the national average but higher than some nearby counties like San Mateo County and Tuolumne County. However, the number of gonorrhea cases in Santa Cruz has been increasing over the past few years, following a similar trend seen across the country.

Risk factors related to gonorrhea in Santa Cruz

Risk factors for gonorrhea in Santa Cruz include having multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and having a previous history of any STD. Young people and men who have sex with men are particularly at risk.

Other STDs in Santa Cruz

In addition to gonorrhea, other STDs like chlamydia, HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Santa Cruz. Chlamydia is the most common STD, with rates higher than both the state and national averages. The rates of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis in Santa Cruz are lower than the national average but higher than some nearby counties. It's important to get tested for these STDs as well, as they can often occur together.