Syphilis Testing near me in St. Helens, Oregon

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but the infection is more common in certain groups. These include men who have sex with men, individuals with HIV, and people with multiple sexual partners. If you fall into any of these categories, or if you've recently had unprotected sex with a new partner, it's important to get tested. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, as the infection can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because the infection often doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages, but it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. These can include damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Syphilis can also increase your risk of getting or transmitting HIV. By getting tested, you can take steps to protect your health and the health of your partners.

Syphilis testing options in St. Helens, OR:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics in St. Helens, such as Legacy Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, offer syphilis testing. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at these locations 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 St. Helens area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers in St. Helens that offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers provide confidential testing and treatment, regardless of your ability to pay.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are another option. These kits can be ordered online and delivered to your home, where you can take the test and send it back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in St. Helens

According to the CDC, the prevalence of syphilis in St. Helens and the surrounding Columbia County is lower than the national average. However, cases have been on the rise in recent years, mirroring a national trend. It's important to note that these numbers only represent reported cases, and the actual number of infections could be higher.

Risk factors related to syphilis in St. Helens

Risk factors for syphilis in St. Helens include unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and being a man who has sex with men. Other risk factors include having a history of other STDs or HIV.

Other STDs in St. Helens

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also present in St. Helens. Like syphilis, these infections can often be asymptomatic in the early stages, making testing crucial for anyone who is sexually active.