Syphilis Testing near me in Homewood, Alabama

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it's particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. Those who have been diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, are also at an increased risk. Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis during their first prenatal visit, as untreated syphilis can lead to serious complications for both mother and baby. If you live in Homewood, AL, and fall into any of these categories, it's recommended that you get tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because it's often called "the great imitator," due to its ability to mimic other diseases' symptoms. This can make it difficult to diagnose without a test. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe health issues, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. According to the CDC, testing and early detection can prevent these complications.

Syphilis testing options in Homewood, AL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers in Homewood offer convenient, same-day testing for syphilis and other STIs. One such highly-rated location is Urgent Care for Children in Birmingham, AL, which has received positive reviews for its friendly staff and efficient service.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for syphilis. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the Homewood area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or who cannot afford testing, free STD testing is available at community health centers in and around Homewood.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of syphilis in Homewood

Syphilis rates in Homewood, located in Jefferson County, have been on the rise, mirroring a national trend. Comparatively, syphilis rates in Homewood are higher than those in nearby counties such as Webster and Cherokee.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Homewood

Risk factors for syphilis in Homewood include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and having other STIs. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk.

Other STDs in Homewood

In addition to syphilis, other common STDs in Homewood include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis. Like syphilis, these infections can be detected through testing at local healthcare providers or at home. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at local urgent care centers and medical laboratories through Solv’s website and mobile app.