Syphilis Testing near me in Malibu, California

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, all sexually active individuals should consider getting tested for syphilis, especially those with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and individuals with HIV. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis during their first prenatal visit to prevent congenital syphilis in newborns.

Importance of getting tested

Syphilis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious health complications if left untreated, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and stop the spread of the infection to others. According to the CDC, untreated syphilis can also increase the risk of HIV infection.

Syphilis testing options in Malibu, CA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers, such as Carbon Health in nearby Thousand Oaks, offer same-day and next-day appointments for syphilis testing. You can conveniently book an appointment through Solv's website or mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also provide syphilis testing. It's important to have regular check-ups with your primary care provider, who can monitor your overall health and recommend STD testing when necessary.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. However, it's important to check the services offered by each center as some may not offer syphilis testing.

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. Results are usually available online within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Malibu

Malibu, located in Los Angeles County, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, Los Angeles County has one of the highest rates of syphilis in the state of California. This underscores the importance of regular testing and safe sexual practices.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Malibu

Risk factors for syphilis in Malibu include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use. Men who have sex with men and individuals with HIV are also at a higher risk.

Other STDs in Malibu

In addition to syphilis, other common STDs in Malibu include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis. These infections can also be tested at local urgent care centers, primary care providers, community health centers, and through at-home testing kits. Regular testing is crucial as many STDs can be asymptomatic but still cause serious health issues if left untreated.