STI Facts: Gonorrhea and STI Testing in Tampa

Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to gonorrhea. While gonorrhea can cause serious complications if left untreated, it is easily cured with the right medication – making accessible STI testing in Tampa a critical part of your sexual health.

Harmony Healthcare Orlando provides quality medical care from local providers in Orlando, Tampa, and Kissimmee at no cost to our patients. We believe that your insurance status, lifestyle, and ability to pay should not be a barrier to healthcare. In this blog, we will discuss one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs or STDs), gonorrhea, which is commonly known as “the clap” or “the drip.” Continue reading to learn more, or if you would like to schedule STI testing in Tampa, you can contact us today. 

Gonorrhea – Who is at Risk?

Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to gonorrhea. It is a bacteria that is transmitted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who is positive for the infection. Gonorrhea can also be passed from a mother to a baby during childbirth. 

The infection is carried in semen or vaginal fluid, and can affect your penis, vagina, anus, cervix, urethra, throat, and eyes (although that is rare). Gonorrhea cannot be transmitted through casual contact with someone who is positive for the infection, so you will not get it from hugging, holding hands, coughing, sneezing, sitting on a toilet seat, or sharing food and drinks.

What are the Symptoms?

Many people who have gonorrhea may not have any symptoms at all. However, if symptoms appear they may include the following:

• Burning or painful urination
• Increased discharge from the penis or vagina
• Painful or swollen testicles
• Vaginal bleeding between periods

A rectal gonorrhea infection in your anus can occur if you have anal sex, or if the infection comes in contact with your anus from another part of your body. Signs of rectal gonorrhea include:

• Anal itching
• Discharge or bleeding
• Soreness
• Pain during bowel movements

Should I Look For STI Testing in Tampa?

Gonorrhea is very common in young people between the ages of 15-24, and the most recent report from the Florida Department of Health shows that cases in Hillsborough County are higher than the state average and have increased at a more rapid rate over the past year. This data, combined with the chance that no symptoms will appear, make it important to find STI testing in Tampa so you can know your status.

Testing for gonorrhea is simple and easy, and usually only requires a urine sample or quick swab of any discharge that may be coming from your vagina, urethra, or anus. STI testing may feel stressful, but it is a normal part of caring for your sexual health and regular testing is recommended by the CDC for many people.

Gonorrhea is Curable

Since gonorrhea is a bacterial infection, it is easily treated with antibiotics. Your medical provider will determine the treatment option that is right for you. If you are being treated for gonorrhea, it is very important that any of your sexual partners be treated as well. Not treating gonorrhea can cause it to worsen and cause more serious health problems, so it is critical to be tested and treated for an infection.

Harmony Healthcare Orlando Provides STI Testing in Tampa 

If you are looking for STI testing in Tampa, you can make an appointment at our local office there. We provide inclusive medical treatment in a warm and caring environment. Contact us today to learn more about the services we have to offer.