Syphilis Testing near me in Charlotte, North Carolina

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it is particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. It is also common among individuals who have multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex. If you fall into any of these categories, it is recommended that you get tested for syphilis. Pregnant women should also get tested as syphilis can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. These complications can include damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Early detection and treatment can prevent these severe health issues. Moreover, getting tested helps to control the spread of the disease, protecting others in your community.

Syphilis testing options in Charlotte, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics in Charlotte, such as Novant Health-GoHealth Urgent Care and AFC Urgent Care, offer syphilis testing. These clinics are a convenient option as they offer same-day and next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers also offer syphilis testing. If you have a regular doctor, they can provide you with a test and discuss your results and treatment options.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers in Charlotte provide free or low-cost syphilis testing, making it accessible for individuals of all income levels.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits can be ordered online, and you can take the test in the privacy of your own home and send it back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in Charlotte

According to the CDC, Mecklenburg County, where Charlotte is located, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years. This trend is consistent with national data, which shows a rise in syphilis cases across the country. However, the prevalence of syphilis in Charlotte is higher than in nearby cities such as Matthews, Pineville, Mount Holly, Belmont, and Mint Hill.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Charlotte

Risk factors for syphilis in Charlotte include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk. It's important to note that anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis.

Other STDs in Charlotte

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Charlotte. Like syphilis, these diseases can be serious if left untreated, but they can be effectively managed with early detection and treatment. Testing for these STDs is available at the same locations as syphilis testing, and appointments can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.