Syphilis Testing near me in Granite City, Illinois

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, particularly those with multiple partners or those who engage in unprotected sex. Individuals who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, are also at a higher risk. Men who have sex with men are particularly vulnerable, as are pregnant women, due to the risk of transmitting the infection to the unborn child.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it's a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It can lead to complications like damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. In pregnant women, it can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in newborns. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Regular testing is also essential to stop the spread of the disease.

Syphilis testing options in Granite City, IL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for syphilis testing in Granite City. These facilities often offer same-day or next-day appointments, making it easy to fit testing into your schedule. Express Medical Care in Fairview Heights is one such location where you can book an appointment through Solv.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also conduct a syphilis test during a routine check-up. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in Granite City or nearby areas like Madison or Venice.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at community health centers in and around Granite City. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment services, often on a sliding fee scale based on income.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also an option. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Granite City

Granite City, located in Madison County, has seen a rise in syphilis cases over recent years, mirroring a national trend. This increase underscores the importance of regular testing, particularly for those in high-risk groups.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Granite City

Risk factors for syphilis in Granite City include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and co-infection with other STDs. The disease is also more prevalent among men who have sex with men.

Other STDs in Granite City

In addition to syphilis, other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Granite City. Regular testing for all these infections is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, especially those with multiple partners or those who engage in unprotected sex.

Testing Locations in the area:

There are 39 testing locations in and around Granite City. These include Express Medical Care in Fairview Heights and Illini Medical Associates Urgent Care in Alton and Jerseyville. You can book same-day and next-day appointments at these locations through Solv.