Syphilis Testing near me in Elizabethton, Tennessee

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, particularly those with multiple partners or those who engage in unprotected sex. According to the CDC, men who have sex with men and individuals living with HIV are also at a higher risk. Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis as it can be passed on to the unborn child, potentially leading to severe health complications.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as early detection can prevent serious health problems such as heart disease, neurological issues, and blindness. Furthermore, untreated syphilis can increase the risk of HIV transmission. Testing is simple and treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics.

Syphilis testing options in Elizabethton, TN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics, such as Urgent Care of Erwin and Boones Creek Urgent Care, 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 can also conduct syphilis testing. If you have a regular doctor, they can provide a test during a routine check-up or you can schedule a specific appointment for testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at community health centers in Elizabethton and surrounding areas. These centers provide confidential testing services, often on a sliding fee scale based on income.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Elizabethton

While exact figures for Elizabethton are not readily available, syphilis rates in Washington County, where Elizabethton is located, as well as in nearby counties such as Madison, Raleigh, Fayette, Forsyth, and Wyoming, have been on the rise, mirroring national trends. According to the CDC, syphilis rates have been increasing across the United States over the past decade.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Elizabethton

Risk factors for syphilis in Elizabethton include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use. Men who have sex with men and individuals with HIV are also at a higher risk.

Other STDs in Elizabethton

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Elizabethton and surrounding areas. Like syphilis, these STDs can be detected through testing at local clinics, primary care providers, community health centers, or at-home testing kits.