Syphilis Testing near me in Asheville, North Carolina

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. According to the CDC, certain groups are at a higher risk and should consider regular testing. These include individuals who are sexually active, those with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and individuals diagnosed with HIV. Pregnant women are also advised to get tested for syphilis during their first prenatal visit to prevent congenital syphilis in newborns.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as this STD often presents no symptoms in its early stages, leading to a false sense of security. However, untreated syphilis can lead to severe health complications such as damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Regular testing allows for early detection, timely treatment, and prevention of spreading the infection to others.

Syphilis testing options in Asheville, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Asheville is home to several urgent care and walk-in clinics that offer syphilis testing. One such location is Mercy Urgent Care, with locations at 1201 Patton Ave, 1272 Tunnel Rd, and 1833 Hendersonville Rd. All three locations have high ratings for their services and you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers in Asheville also offer syphilis testing. Regular patients can request a test during their routine check-ups. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the Asheville area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those who may face financial barriers, Asheville has community health centers that offer free or low-cost STD testing, including for syphilis. These centers aim to make healthcare accessible to all, regardless of income.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. Solv can help you find reputable providers of these kits.

Prevalence of syphilis in Asheville

Asheville, located in Buncombe County, has seen a rise in syphilis cases over the years, mirroring the national trend. While the numbers are lower compared to larger cities, the increase is a cause for concern. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Madison, Raleigh, Fayette, Forsyth, and Wyoming have also reported an uptick in syphilis cases.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Asheville

The rise in syphilis cases in Asheville can be attributed to various factors including increased unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and a lack of regular testing. The CDC also notes a significant correlation between drug use and the spread of syphilis, which could be a contributing factor in Asheville.

Other STDs in Asheville

Syphilis is not the only STD affecting residents of Asheville. Other common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis. Like syphilis, these infections can be asymptomatic in the early stages, making regular testing crucial for early detection and treatment.