Syphilis Testing near me in Lexington, North Carolina

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active can contract syphilis, particularly those with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex. According to the CDC, men who have sex with men are at a higher risk, as well as individuals living with HIV. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, as the infection can be passed to the unborn child, leading to severe complications.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It can lead to damage to the heart, brain, and other organs, and in pregnant women, it can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in the newborn. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preventing the progression of the disease.

Syphilis testing options in Lexington, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers such as AFC Urgent Care in High Point, NC, and FastMed Urgent Care in Greensboro, NC, offer syphilis testing. These centers provide convenient, same-day or next-day appointments that can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for syphilis testing. Regular check-ups with a primary care provider can help detect syphilis early, even when symptoms are not present.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often provide free or low-cost STD testing, including syphilis. These centers are a valuable resource for those without insurance or those seeking confidential testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits can be ordered online, after which a sample is collected and sent back to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of syphilis in Lexington

While specific data for Lexington, NC is not readily available, according to the CDC, North Carolina has seen a steady increase in syphilis cases over the past decade. This trend mirrors the national increase in syphilis cases. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Raleigh County and Fayette County have reported similar increases in syphilis cases.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Lexington

Risk factors for syphilis in Lexington include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and men having sex with men. Substance abuse can also increase the risk, as it can lead to risky sexual behavior.

Other STDs in Lexington

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are prevalent in Lexington. Similar to syphilis, these STDs can be tested at local urgent care centers, primary care providers, community health centers, and through at-home testing kits.