Syphilis Testing near me in Dakota Ridge, Colorado

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it is most common in men who have sex with men. However, this does not mean that only this group should get tested. If you are a sexually active individual, especially with multiple partners, or if you are pregnant, you should consider getting tested for syphilis. It's also important to get tested if you have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI) as co-infection is common.

Importance of getting tested

Syphilis is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also increase the risk of HIV infection and, in pregnant women, can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in newborns. Testing is the only way to know if you have syphilis. Early detection and treatment can prevent these serious health complications.

Syphilis testing options in Dakota Ridge, CO:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for syphilis testing. You can book same-day or next-day appointments at these locations through Solv's website and mobile app. One highly rated location in the area is OnPoint Urgent Care in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for syphilis. If you have a regular doctor you see, consider making an appointment for a test.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or who are unable to pay, there are free STD testing and community health centers available. These centers provide confidential testing for syphilis and other STIs.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits 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 testing.

Prevalence of syphilis in Dakota Ridge

While Dakota Ridge, CO, located in Jefferson County, has a lower prevalence of syphilis compared to other areas in the state, the number of cases has been on the rise. This trend mirrors national data, which shows an overall increase in syphilis cases over the past decade. However, the prevalence of syphilis in Dakota Ridge is still lower than in nearby counties such as Carbon County and Albany County.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Dakota Ridge

Risk factors for syphilis in Dakota Ridge include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and co-infection with another STI. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk, but anyone who is sexually active can contract syphilis.

Other STDs in Dakota Ridge

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also a concern in Dakota Ridge. Similar to syphilis, these STDs are most common among sexually active individuals with multiple partners. Testing for these STDs is available at the same locations as syphilis testing.