Syphilis Testing near me in Arlington, Virginia

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active should consider getting tested for syphilis, especially those with multiple sexual partners, men who have sex with men, and individuals with HIV. Pregnant women should also get tested as syphilis can be passed to the unborn child with potentially severe consequences. If you live in Arlington, VA, or the surrounding areas such as Ft Myer, Bailey's Crossroads, Lake Barcroft, Falls Church, or Washington, and fall into these categories, it's advisable to get tested.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, syphilis can cause long-term complications if not treated, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Secondly, an infected person can easily spread the disease to others, even when symptoms are not present. Lastly, pregnant women with syphilis can pass the infection to their unborn babies, leading to stillbirth or birth defects. According to the CDC, the rate of congenital syphilis has been on the rise, highlighting the importance of testing.

Syphilis testing options in Arlington, VA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics offer convenient, same-day syphilis testing. For instance, AllCare Primary & Immediate Care in Arlington, VA, offers highly rated services with a short wait time, friendly staff, and clean facilities. You can book an appointment through Solv's website or mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for syphilis testing. They can provide ongoing care and treatment if you test positive. Privia Virtual Clinic in Arlington, VA, is a primary care provider that offers syphilis testing.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Free STD testing is available at community health centers for those who may not have health insurance or who cannot afford testing. The availability of these services can vary, so it's advisable to check with local health departments.

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. This option offers privacy and convenience, but follow-up care will need to be arranged if you test positive.

Prevalence of syphilis in Arlington

Syphilis cases have been on the rise in Arlington, mirroring the national trend. According to the CDC, the rate of syphilis in Arlington is higher than in nearby counties such as Fayette County, Sussex County, Morris County, Indiana County, and Middlesex County. The reasons for this increase could be due to a variety of factors, including increased testing, changes in sexual behavior, or decreased use of condoms.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Arlington

Risk factors for syphilis in Arlington include having multiple sexual partners, men having sex with men, and having HIV. Other factors that could contribute to the high prevalence of syphilis include socioeconomic factors such as poverty and lack of access to healthcare.

Other STDs in Arlington

Syphilis is not the only STD of concern in Arlington. Other common STDs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis. Like syphilis, these diseases can be serious if not treated and can be easily spread to others. Testing for these diseases is available at the same locations as syphilis testing, and appointments can be booked through Solv.