Syphilis Testing near me in Thomasville, 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. Other groups at increased risk include people living with HIV and individuals with multiple sexual partners. Pregnant women are also advised to get tested for syphilis as it can have severe health impacts on the unborn child. It's important to note that syphilis can be asymptomatic in its early stages, so regular testing is recommended even if you don't have any visible symptoms.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as early detection allows for effective treatment, preventing long-term health complications. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to later stages, leading to serious health issues like heart disease, neurological problems, and even blindness. Furthermore, syphilis increases the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Regular testing and early treatment can prevent these complications and stop the spread of the disease.

Syphilis testing options in Thomasville, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in and around Thomasville that offer syphilis testing. For instance, AFC Urgent Care in High Point, NC, provides same-day and next-day testing appointments which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for syphilis. If you're already seeing a healthcare provider for regular check-ups, it's a good idea to discuss your sexual health and ask for a syphilis test.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are community health centers that offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's advisable to check with local centers about their services and any costs involved.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits provide privacy and convenience, as you can take the test at your own comfort and send the sample to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in Thomasville

According to the CDC, Davidson County, where Thomasville is located, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years. This trend aligns with national data showing a resurgence of the disease. Comparatively, the prevalence of syphilis in Thomasville is higher than in nearby counties such as Raleigh County and Fayette County.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Thomasville

Risk factors for syphilis in Thomasville include unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and men having sex with men. The recent increase in syphilis cases in the area may also be attributed to a lack of awareness about the disease and insufficient testing.

Other STDs in Thomasville

In addition to syphilis, other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are prevalent in Thomasville. Regular testing for these STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals, particularly those with multiple sexual partners. Testing can be done at any of the 17 nearby locations, including medical laboratories and urgent care centers.