Syphilis Testing near me in Hickory Hills, Illinois

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it is particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, as it can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth, resulting in severe health problems for the baby. Individuals with HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also at a higher risk of contracting syphilis.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because the disease can cause serious health issues if left untreated, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Furthermore, syphilis can increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. According to the CDC, syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics, but treatment will not undo any damage that the infection has already caused.

Syphilis testing options in Hickory Hills, IL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Hickory Hills and nearby cities that offer syphilis testing. For instance, UrgiClinic Urgent Care in Bridgeview and First Choice Immediate Care in Chicago are highly rated and offer short wait times.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers can also perform syphilis testing. It's recommended to discuss any potential exposure or symptoms with your primary care provider who can then order the appropriate tests.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's worth researching local health centers in Hickory Hills and surrounding areas to find out what services they offer.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are another option. These can be purchased online or at a local pharmacy. After collecting a sample, it's sent to a lab for testing and results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Hickory Hills

While specific data for Hickory Hills is not readily available, Cook County, where Hickory Hills is located, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. According to the CDC, Cook County reported 1,130 cases of primary and secondary syphilis in 2018, up from 980 cases in 2017.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Hickory Hills

Risk factors for syphilis in Hickory Hills are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, being a man who has sex with men, having HIV, and engaging in unprotected sex.

Other STDs in Hickory Hills

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also present in Hickory Hills and surrounding areas. Like syphilis, these STDs can be serious if left untreated, but can often be managed or cured with the right treatment. Regular testing is crucial for anyone who is sexually active, especially those with multiple partners or who engage in unprotected sex.

Remember, there are 128 nearby locations to get tested at, and you can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at each through Solv’s website and mobile app.