Syphilis Testing near me in Aberdeen, Maryland

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for syphilis, especially if they have multiple sexual partners, have had syphilis before, are a man who has sex with men, or are HIV positive. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, as the disease can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because, while the disease can be easily treated in its early stages, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications such as damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Additionally, syphilis can increase the risk of getting or giving HIV. Testing is the only sure way to know if you have syphilis, as many people with the disease do not have any symptoms.

Syphilis testing options in Aberdeen, MD:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are convenient options for syphilis testing in Aberdeen. These facilities often offer same-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv's website and mobile app. One highly rated location in the area is AllCare Primary & Immediate Care in Owings Mills, MD.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are also a good option for syphilis testing. They can provide ongoing care and treatment if the test result is positive.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or who are underinsured, free STD testing and community health centers in Aberdeen and Harford County provide affordable testing options.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option for syphilis testing. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your own home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in Aberdeen

While specific data for Aberdeen is not readily available, according to the CDC, Maryland has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. Comparatively, Harford County, which Aberdeen is part of, has a lower prevalence of syphilis than nearby counties such as Fayette County and Sussex County.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Aberdeen

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

Other STDs in Aberdeen

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also present in Aberdeen. Like syphilis, these diseases can be tested for at local urgent care centers, primary care providers, free STD testing centers, and through at-home testing kits.