Gonorrhea testing Nashville

Gonorrhea Testing in Nashville: Why It’s Important and Where to Get Tested

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What is Gonorrhea?  

Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It primarily affects the reproductive tract but can also infect the throat, rectum, and eyes. It is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. If left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (in women) and infertility. Regular gonorrhea testing is important, read on to learn where to get tested in Nashville.

Symptoms & Testing of Gonorrhea

Symptoms of gonorrhea can vary depending on gender and site of infection. It’s important to note that some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms, which increases the risk of unknowingly transmitting the infection.

In men, symptoms may include:

  1. Pain or burning sensation while urinating.
  2. White, yellow, or green discharge from the penis.
  3. Swollen or painful testicles.

In women, symptoms may include:

  1. Pain or burning sensation while urinating.
  2. Increased vaginal discharge that may be yellowish or bloody.
  3. Vaginal bleeding between periods.
  4. Pelvic pain or abdominal pain.
  5. Painful intercourse.

To diagnose gonorrhea, a medical provider may perform a physical examination and conduct a laboratory test. The laboratory test will involve a urine test. It’s important to get tested for gonorrhea if you are sexually active, as untreated gonorrhea can lead to serious health complications. 

Treatment & Prevention of Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is treated with antibiotics. Treatment is usually administered for seven days, and it’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics to ensure the infection is fully cleared. It’s also recommended that sexual partners of those infected with gonorrhea be tested and treated to prevent reinfection. 

If gonorrhea is left untreated, it can lead to various complications and health risks. Some potential consequences of untreated gonorrhea include:

  1. Spreading to other areas: Gonorrhea can spread to other parts of the body, leading to infections in the reproductive organs, rectum, throat, and eyes.
  2. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): In women, untreated gonorrhea can cause PID, a serious infection of the reproductive organs. PID can result in chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (a potentially life-threatening condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus).
  3. Infertility: Both men and women can experience infertility due to untreated gonorrhea. In men, the infection can cause epididymitis, a condition that can lead to infertility if left untreated.
  4. Increased risk of HIV transmission: Untreated gonorrhea can increase the risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
  5. Joint infection: A rare complication of gonorrhea is the infection of joints, known as gonococcal arthritis. It can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
  6. Eye infections: Newborns can contract gonorrhea during delivery if the mother is infected. This can lead to severe eye infections, potentially causing blindness if not promptly treated.

The best way to prevent gonorrhea is to practice safe sex. This includes using condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and getting tested regularly for STIs. It’s also important to limit the number of sexual partners you have, as having multiple partners increases the risk of contracting STIs. 

Complete Health Partners Same-Day STD & STI Testing 

At Complete Health Partners Nashville & Hendersonville clinics, we offer same-day testing and treatment for STDs and STIs, including gonorrhea. CHP now offers rapid results for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing. Get same-day results by arriving to the clinic prior to 6:30pm. With simple online appointment booking, you can be seen on your time, or you can walk in to any of our 3 Nashville area clinics. No insurance? No problem, our clinics offer affordable self-pay options for those who are uninsured. Regular testing is important and many STDs do not show symptoms early. Don’t wait to take control of your sexual health, book a same day and confidential appointment online to get treatment today.  

Nashville Area Urgent Care Clinics   

Nashville West Clinic   

6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209  

629.203.7858  

9am – 7pm, 7 days a week   

Hendersonville Clinic   

166 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075 

615.991.2855  

9am – 7pm, 7 days a week   

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