Syphilis Testing near me in Washougal, Washington

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can have serious health consequences if left untreated. According to the CDC, individuals who are sexually active, particularly those with multiple partners, should consider regular testing for syphilis. This is especially important for men who have sex with men, pregnant women, and individuals who are HIV positive, as these groups are at a higher risk of contracting the infection.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, syphilis often presents with no symptoms in its early stages, making it easy to unknowingly spread the infection to others. Secondly, if left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the heart and nervous system, and in pregnant women, it can result in stillbirth or infant death. Regular testing allows for early detection and treatment, preventing these severe outcomes.

Syphilis testing options in Washougal, WA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for syphilis testing. Legacy Health- GoHealth Urgent Care, located in nearby Gresham, OR, is one such option. With a 4.44 rating and reviews praising its friendly staff, it's a reliable choice for immediate care. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments at this location through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for syphilis testing. If you have a trusted primary care provider, they can offer a syphilis test as part of a routine check-up or STI screening.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or with limited financial resources, free STD testing and community health centers can provide affordable syphilis testing. These centers often operate on a sliding fee scale based on income, ensuring everyone has access to necessary healthcare.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option for syphilis screening. These kits can be ordered online and used in the privacy of your own home, with results typically available within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Washougal

While specific data for Washougal is not readily available, Multnomah County, where Washougal is located, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Lincoln and Sherman have reported lower rates of syphilis. However, it's important to note that syphilis rates can vary greatly from year to year and between different populations.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Washougal

Risk factors for syphilis in Washougal are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, engaging in unprotected sex, being a man who has sex with men, and being HIV positive. Socioeconomic factors such as lack of access to healthcare and lower education levels can also contribute to higher syphilis rates.

Other STDs in Washougal

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also of concern in Washougal and the broader Multnomah County area. As with syphilis, regular testing is key to early detection and treatment of these infections. With 29 nearby testing locations available, getting tested has never been easier.