Syphilis Testing near me in Corpus Christi, Texas

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it’s particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. Those who have been diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), individuals with multiple sexual partners, and people living with HIV are also at a higher risk. If you fall into any of these categories, or if you’ve had unprotected sex with someone whose STI status you don’t know, it’s important to get tested.

Importance of getting tested

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly. Early detection is key to preventing these complications, which can include damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Testing is the only sure way to know if you have syphilis, as many of the symptoms are similar to other diseases. According to the CDC, syphilis can also increase the risk of transmitting or getting HIV.

Syphilis testing options in Corpus Christi, TX:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers such as Access Total Care in Corpus Christi, TX, offer syphilis testing. These clinics often have short wait times and are highly rated by patients. You can book same-day and next-day testing 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 Corpus Christi or nearby cities like Portland, Gregory, Taft, Ingleside, or Odem.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Some community health centers in Corpus Christi and nearby counties offer free or low-cost syphilis testing. It’s important to check with the center beforehand to understand any costs involved.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are another option. These can be ordered online, done in the privacy of your own home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in Corpus Christi

While specific data for Corpus Christi is not readily available, Texas has seen a rise in syphilis cases in recent years, according to the CDC. This trend aligns with national data showing an increase in syphilis cases across the United States. It’s important to note that syphilis is a reportable disease, meaning that any diagnosed cases are reported to state and local health departments, which then report to the CDC.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Corpus Christi

Risk factors for syphilis in Corpus Christi are likely similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, having unprotected sex, being a man who has sex with men, or being a person living with HIV. Other factors that could contribute to the spread of syphilis include lack of access to healthcare, stigma around STI testing, and lack of public awareness about the disease.

Other STDs in Corpus Christi

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also present in Corpus Christi. Like syphilis, these diseases can be serious if not treated, but they can be detected with a simple test. Testing locations like Access Total Care in Corpus Christi offer testing for these STDs as well.