Syphilis Testing near me in Akron, Ohio

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active should consider being tested for syphilis, especially if they have multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex. Those who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI) or have a partner who has been diagnosed with syphilis should also get tested. Pregnant women are also advised to get tested for syphilis, as it can be passed on to the baby, leading to severe health issues or even stillbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because it is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also increase the risk of HIV transmission. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Moreover, individuals who have syphilis can unknowingly spread the infection to others.

Syphilis testing options in Akron, OH:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics such as Quickmed Urgent Care located at 1037 N Main St, Akron, OH 44310, offer syphilis testing. These clinics are a convenient option as they often 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 healthcare provider, they can often provide testing during a routine check-up.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing and community health centers in Akron that offer syphilis testing. These centers provide affordable testing options, especially for those without insurance.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in Akron

According to the CDC, the prevalence of syphilis in Akron, located in Summit County, OH, has been on the rise in recent years. This trend is consistent with the national trend, as syphilis rates have been increasing across the country. Comparatively, the rates in Akron are higher than in nearby counties such as Fayette County and Erie County.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Akron

Risk factors for syphilis in Akron include unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and being a man who has sex with men. The rise in syphilis cases in Akron may also be related to socioeconomic factors such as lack of access to healthcare and education about STIs.

Other STDs in Akron

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Akron. As with syphilis, the rates of these STDs have been increasing in recent years. It's important to note that having one STD can increase the risk of getting another, so regular testing for all STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals.