Syphilis Testing near me in Lakewood, Colorado

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it's particularly important for certain groups to get tested regularly. These include men who have sex with men, individuals with HIV, and people with multiple sexual partners. If you fall into any of these categories, or if you've had unprotected sex with someone whose STD status you're unsure of, you should consider getting tested for syphilis. Pregnant women should also get tested for syphilis, as it can be passed to the unborn child, potentially causing serious health problems.

Importance of getting tested

Syphilis is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. However, it's also easily curable in its early stages. This is why regular testing is so important - the sooner syphilis is detected, the sooner it can be treated. Moreover, getting tested is the only sure way to know if you have syphilis, as the disease can often show no symptoms in its early stages.

Syphilis testing options in Lakewood, CO:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like NextCare Urgent Care in Lakewood offer syphilis testing. These facilities are a good option for those who need to get tested quickly, as they often offer same-day or next-day appointments. You can book an appointment at NextCare Urgent Care or other nearby urgent care centers through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for syphilis. If you're already seeing a doctor regularly, this can be a convenient option.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or who can't afford testing, free STD testing may be available at community health centers in the Lakewood area.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These allow you to take a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of syphilis in Lakewood

According to the CDC, Denver County, which includes Lakewood, has seen a rise in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. However, the rate of syphilis in Denver County remains lower than in some nearby counties, such as Carbon County and Phillips County.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Lakewood

Risk factors for syphilis in Lakewood are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, and being a man who has sex with men. The rise in syphilis cases in Lakewood could be due to a number of factors, including increased testing, changes in sexual behavior, or an actual increase in the number of people with the disease.

Other STDs in Lakewood

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Lakewood. As with syphilis, regular testing is key to detecting and treating these diseases. The same testing locations mentioned above, including urgent care centers and primary care providers, can also test for these other STDs.