Syphilis Testing near me in Southaven, Mississippi

Who should get tested for syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, especially those with multiple sexual partners or those who engage in unprotected sex. It's particularly important for pregnant women to get tested, as syphilis can be passed to the unborn baby, potentially resulting in serious health complications or even death. Moreover, people who have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, or those who are HIV positive, should also be tested for syphilis.

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. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Moreover, syphilis is easily spread through sexual contact, so getting tested not only protects your health but also helps prevent the spread of the disease to others.

Syphilis testing options in Southaven, MS:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers, such as Urgent Team in Horn Lake, MS, offer convenient, same-day syphilis testing. These facilities often have extended hours, allowing you to get tested at a time that fits your schedule. You can book an appointment through Solv’s website or 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 the Southaven area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. These centers are a valuable resource, particularly for individuals without health insurance.

At-home testing

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

Prevalence of syphilis in Southaven

According to the CDC, the rate of syphilis in Shelby County, where Southaven is located, has been increasing over the past few years. This trend mirrors the national trend, as syphilis rates have been on the rise across the United States. The rate in Shelby County is higher than in some nearby counties, such as Fayette County and Coahoma County, but lower than in others, such as Davidson County and Quitman County.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Southaven

Risk factors for syphilis in Southaven include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and being a man who has sex with men. These factors are similar to those in other parts of the country. However, the higher prevalence of syphilis in Southaven compared to some nearby areas suggests that these risk factors may be more common in Southaven.

Other STDs in Southaven

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Southaven. In fact, the rates of these other STDs are higher than the rate of syphilis. This underscores the importance of getting tested for all STDs, not just syphilis, if you are at risk.