Syphilis Testing near me in Lincolnton, North Carolina

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it is particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. It's also important for pregnant women to get tested as syphilis can be passed to the unborn child, leading to serious health complications or even stillbirth. People who have been diagnosed with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV, are also at a higher risk and should get tested.

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. It can also increase the risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Early detection through testing is key to preventing these complications. Moreover, syphilis can be easily treated and cured with the right medication if caught early.

Syphilis testing options in Lincolnton, NC:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics, such as Novant Health- GoHealth Urgent Care in Huntersville and AFC Urgent Care in Gastonia and Hickory, offer syphilis testing. These facilities are a convenient option as they offer same-day and next-day appointments which can be booked through Solv's website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Primary care providers also offer syphilis testing. If you have a regular doctor, they can provide you with a test during a routine check-up or you can schedule an appointment specifically for the test.

Free STD testing and community health centers

For those without insurance or who are unable to afford testing, free STD testing is available at community health centers in and around Lincolnton.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits allow you to take a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing. Results are usually available online within a few days.

Prevalence of syphilis in Lincolnton

While exact figures for Lincolnton are not readily available, Gaston County, where Lincolnton is located, has seen a rise in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring a national trend. This increase emphasizes the importance of regular testing, particularly for those in high-risk groups.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Lincolnton

Risk factors for syphilis in Lincolnton are similar to those in other parts of the country. These include having multiple sexual partners, being a man who has sex with men, being a person with HIV, and engaging in unprotected sex.

Other STDs in Lincolnton

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Lincolnton and surrounding areas. As with syphilis, regular testing is key to early detection and treatment of these diseases.