Syphilis Testing near me in La Palma, California

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, but certain groups are more likely to get the disease. These include men who have sex with men, people living with HIV, and those who have multiple sexual partners. Additionally, if you've had syphilis before, you can get it again, so regular testing is crucial.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is important because it is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. According to the CDC, untreated syphilis can lead to damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. These problems can occur many years after the initial infection. Additionally, pregnant women with syphilis can pass the disease to their unborn child, which can result in stillbirth or infant death.

Syphilis testing options in La Palma, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for syphilis testing. For instance, Carbon Health in nearby Cerritos offers STD testing services. You can book same-day or next-day appointments through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also conduct syphilis testing. If you have a regular doctor, they can often provide testing during a routine check-up.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at community health centers in and around La Palma. These centers often provide confidential testing and counseling services.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of syphilis in La Palma

Syphilis rates in La Palma, like many parts of the United States, have been on the rise in recent years. According to the CDC, Orange County, where La Palma is located, has seen a significant increase in syphilis cases. This trend mirrors national data, which shows a resurgence of the disease across the country.

Risk factors related to syphilis in La Palma

Risk factors for syphilis in La Palma are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, being a man who has sex with men, and living with HIV. Other factors that can increase the risk of syphilis include a history of other sexually transmitted infections and engaging in unprotected sex.

Other STDs in La Palma

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in La Palma. Like syphilis, these diseases can have serious health consequences if left untreated, so regular testing is essential. Testing for these diseases can often be done at the same time as syphilis testing.