Syphilis Testing near me in Jacksonville, Florida

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, especially those with multiple partners or those who engage in unprotected sex. It's particularly important for pregnant women to get tested, as untreated syphilis can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed to the baby. According to the CDC, men who have sex with men and individuals living with HIV are also at a higher risk for syphilis and should consider regular testing.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because the disease often presents no symptoms in its early stages, yet it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. These can include damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Early detection through testing allows for prompt treatment, which can effectively cure the disease and prevent complications.

Syphilis testing options in Jacksonville, FL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Jacksonville where you can get tested for syphilis. One of these is Avecina Medical, with locations at 9580 Applecross Rd, 5915 Normandy Blvd, and 4160 Southside Blvd. 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 conduct a syphilis test during a regular check-up. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in Jacksonville.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in Jacksonville that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers can be a good option for those without insurance or those who can't afford the cost of testing at other facilities.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Jacksonville

According to the CDC, the prevalence of syphilis in Jacksonville and the wider Duval County area has been on the rise in recent years. This trend mirrors the national increase in syphilis cases. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Bamberg County and Charleston County have lower rates of syphilis, while others like Colleton County and Allendale County have similar rates.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Jacksonville

Risk factors for syphilis in Jacksonville include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and being a man who has sex with men. The rise in syphilis cases in Jacksonville could be attributed to a lack of awareness about the disease and its symptoms, as well as insufficient access to testing and treatment services.

Other STDs in Jacksonville

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Jacksonville. Just like with syphilis, regular testing is crucial for early detection and treatment of these diseases.