Syphilis Testing near me in Winston Salem, North Carolina

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. Those who have unprotected sex, have multiple partners, or are living with HIV are at a higher risk. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis, as it can be passed to the baby during pregnancy or childbirth, leading to serious health problems or even death.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it often presents no symptoms in its early stages, but if left untreated, it can lead to severe health problems affecting the heart, brain, and other organs. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, which can effectively cure the infection and prevent complications. Regular testing is also important to prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Syphilis testing options in Winston Salem, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like AFC Urgent Care in High Point and FastMed Urgent Care in Greensboro offer syphilis testing. These centers often provide same-day or next-day appointments, which can be booked through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for syphilis testing. They can provide comprehensive sexual health services, including testing and treatment for syphilis and other STDs.

Free STD testing and community health centers

In Winston Salem, community health centers may offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's important to check with each center for their specific services and eligibility requirements.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. 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 Winston Salem

According to the CDC, Forsyth County, where Winston Salem is located, has seen a rise in syphilis cases in recent years. This trend mirrors the national increase in syphilis cases. Factors contributing to this increase may include a lack of awareness about the infection, decreased condom use, and an increase in risky sexual behaviors.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Winston Salem

Risk factors for syphilis in Winston Salem include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk. Additionally, those living with HIV are more likely to contract syphilis.

Other STDs in Winston Salem

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Winston Salem. Regular testing for all STDs is recommended for anyone who is sexually active, particularly those with multiple partners or who engage in unprotected sex.