Syphilis Testing near me in East Ridge, Tennessee

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it is particularly common among men who have sex with men. Individuals with HIV are also at a higher risk. It's recommended that all pregnant women get tested for syphilis as it can have severe health impacts on the unborn child. If you are in a relationship with someone who has tested positive for syphilis, you should also get tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it's often difficult to identify due to its ability to mimic other diseases in its early stages. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and stop the spread of the disease to others.

Syphilis testing options in East Ridge, TN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics in East Ridge, such as Physicians Care on McBrien Rd, offer syphilis testing. These facilities often provide same-day or next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also conduct a syphilis test. If you don't have a primary care provider, Solv can help you find one in East Ridge or nearby cities like Fort Oglethorpe and Chattanooga.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at various community health centers in and around East Ridge. These centers often offer comprehensive STD testing, including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also an option. These kits can be ordered online and used in the privacy of your own home. However, it's important to follow up with a healthcare provider if you test positive.

Prevalence of syphilis in East Ridge

While exact numbers for East Ridge are not readily available, according to the CDC, Tennessee has seen a steady increase in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. Comparatively, nearby counties like Madison and Wise have also reported increases in syphilis cases.

Risk factors related to syphilis in East Ridge

Risk factors for syphilis in East Ridge 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 who has tested positive for syphilis.

Other STDs in East Ridge

In addition to syphilis, other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in East Ridge and surrounding areas. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for sexually active individuals. Testing locations such as Physicians Care in East Ridge and Fort Oglethorpe, and AFC Urgent Care in Chattanooga provide comprehensive STD testing services.