Syphilis Testing near me in Frederick, Maryland

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but some groups in Frederick, MD, are more at risk. These include men who have sex with men, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and those who engage in unprotected sex. If you belong to these groups, or have been notified by a partner that they have syphilis, you should get tested. Pregnant women should also be tested to prevent congenital syphilis, a severe, disabling, and often life-threatening infection seen in infants.

Importance of getting tested

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly. Testing is crucial because syphilis can be asymptomatic in its early stages, making it easy to transmit unknowingly. According to the CDC, early detection and treatment can prevent significant health issues like organ damage and neurological problems that occur in the later stages of the disease.

Syphilis testing options in Frederick, MD:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are convenient options for syphilis testing. They offer same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app. One nearby location is tru Primary & Urgent Care in Germantown, MD.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for syphilis testing. They can provide ongoing care and treatment if you test positive.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Frederick, MD, also has community health centers that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers are a good option for those without insurance or with limited financial resources.

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 home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in Frederick

The prevalence of syphilis in Frederick, MD, has been on the rise in recent years, mirroring national trends. According to the CDC, the rate of syphilis in Frederick County is higher than in nearby counties such as Fayette County and Sussex County. This increase could be due to various factors, including an increase in unprotected sex and a lack of regular testing.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Frederick

Risk factors for syphilis in Frederick include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk. Socioeconomic factors such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare can also contribute to the spread of syphilis.

Other STDs in Frederick

In addition to syphilis, other common STDs in Frederick include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis. These diseases also show high prevalence rates in Frederick, MD, and regular testing is recommended for sexually active individuals. Like syphilis, these STDs can often be asymptomatic, making regular testing crucial for detection and treatment.