Syphilis Testing near me in Fairview Heights, Illinois

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active is at risk for syphilis, especially those with multiple partners. However, certain groups are at a higher risk, including men who have sex with men, individuals living with HIV, and those who have a partner who has tested positive for syphilis. Pregnant women are also recommended to get tested for syphilis due to the risk of transmitting the infection to the unborn child.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it is a highly infectious disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. These complications can include damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Additionally, testing helps control the spread of the disease in the community.

Syphilis testing options in Fairview Heights, IL:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics provide convenient, same-day testing for syphilis. One nearby option is Mercy Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in Clayton, MO, which has a high rating and offers same-day and next-day appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers are another option for syphilis testing. Regular check-ups with your primary care provider can include STD testing, and they can provide treatment or referrals if needed.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers and free STD testing clinics in and around Fairview Heights also offer syphilis testing. These centers often provide testing at low or no cost, making it accessible to more people.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are available for those who prefer privacy. These kits can be ordered online and come with instructions for collecting and sending a sample to a lab.

Prevalence of syphilis in Fairview Heights

While specific data for Fairview Heights is not readily available, St. Clair County, where Fairview Heights is located, has seen an increase in syphilis cases in recent years, according to the CDC. This trend mirrors the national increase in syphilis cases.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Fairview Heights

Risk factors for syphilis in Fairview Heights are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, being a man who has sex with men, and having a partner who is infected with syphilis. The use of illicit drugs and unprotected sex also increase the risk of infection.

Other STDs in Fairview Heights

Syphilis is not the only STD of concern in Fairview Heights. Other common STDs include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis. Like syphilis, these STDs can be detected through testing and treated with appropriate medical care.