Syphilis Testing near me in Pickerington, Ohio

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, particularly those with multiple sexual partners. However, certain groups are more susceptible than others. These include men who have sex with men, individuals living with HIV, and those who have a partner who has tested positive for syphilis. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, as it can be passed on to the fetus, leading to serious complications.

Importance of getting tested

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that 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 cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis in the newborn. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Furthermore, individuals who have syphilis are more likely to transmit or acquire HIV.

Syphilis testing options in Pickerington, OH:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers, such as Carbon Health in Columbus, provide syphilis testing. You can book same-day and next-day appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for syphilis. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in the Pickerington area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. Check with local health departments for information on these services.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of syphilis in Pickerington

While specific data for Pickerington is not readily available, Franklin County, where Pickerington is located, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring national trends. According to the CDC, in 2017, Franklin County reported a rate of 15.2 cases per 100,000 people, higher than the national rate of 9.5 cases per 100,000 people.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Pickerington

Risk factors for syphilis in Pickerington are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, being a man who has sex with men, having HIV, or having a partner with syphilis. Other factors such as substance abuse and lack of condom use can also contribute to the risk.

Other STDs in Pickerington

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in the Pickerington area. As with syphilis, these infections can be serious if not treated, highlighting the importance of regular testing for all sexually active individuals.