Syphilis Testing near me in St. Ann, Missouri

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for syphilis. However, certain groups are at a higher risk and should be particularly vigilant. These include men who have sex with men, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and those who engage in unprotected sex. Pregnant women are also advised to get tested, as syphilis can cause serious complications during pregnancy and can be passed on to the baby.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because it 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. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and stop the spread of the disease. Moreover, many people with syphilis do not exhibit symptoms in the early stages, making regular testing even more important.

Syphilis testing options in St. Ann, MO:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around St. Ann, MO, where you can get tested for syphilis. These include Mercy Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in Kirkwood and St. Louis, and Mercy- Gohealth Urgent Care in St. Peters. These clinics offer same-day and next-day testing appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are also a good option for syphilis testing. They can provide comprehensive sexual health services, including testing and treatment for syphilis and other STDs/STIs.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers and clinics that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers provide confidential services, and some may offer same-day results.

At-home testing

At-home testing is another convenient option. Several companies offer at-home syphilis test kits that can be ordered online. These kits come with detailed instructions on how to collect a sample, which is then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in St. Ann

While specific data for St. Ann is not readily available, St. Louis County, where St. Ann is located, has seen a rising trend in syphilis cases in recent years, according to the CDC. This mirrors a national trend, with syphilis rates increasing across the United States. It's important to note that these rates may be higher in certain populations and areas within the county.

Risk factors related to syphilis in St. Ann

Risk factors for syphilis in St. Ann are likely similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, engaging in unprotected sex, and being a man who has sex with men. Other factors that could contribute to the spread of syphilis include lack of access to healthcare and low rates of testing.

Other STDs in St. Ann

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in St. Louis County. As with syphilis, these diseases can be asymptomatic in the early stages, making regular testing crucial for early detection and treatment.