Syphilis Testing near me in Westminster, Colorado

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it's particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. If you've had unprotected sex, have multiple partners, or are pregnant, you should consider getting tested. It's also important to get tested if you've been notified by a partner that they have syphilis, even if you don't have symptoms.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial because it's often asymptomatic in its early stages, meaning you could have it and not know. Left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, neurological problems, blindness, and even death. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications. Moreover, knowing your status can help prevent the spread of the disease to others.

Syphilis testing options in Westminster, CO:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers like Carbon Health Urgent Care and NextCare Urgent Care offer syphilis testing. These centers are a good option for those seeking immediate, same-day or next-day testing, which can be booked 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 for regular check-ups, it can be convenient to get tested during your visit.

Free STD testing and community health centers

Community health centers often offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's worth checking with local centers in Westminster to see if they offer these services.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another option. These kits can be ordered online, used at home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis. While convenient, they may not be as accurate as tests done in a medical setting.

Prevalence of syphilis in Westminster

While exact numbers for Westminster are not readily available, Jefferson County, where Westminster 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. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Carbon County and Phillips County have lower rates of syphilis.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Westminster

Risk factors for syphilis in Westminster include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and drug use. Men who have sex with men are particularly at risk.

Other STDs in Westminster

In addition to syphilis, other STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in Westminster. Like syphilis, these diseases often have no symptoms in the early stages, so regular testing is crucial.

Remember, there are 53 locations in and around Westminster where you can get tested for STDs. Whether you choose an urgent care center, your primary care provider, a community health center, or an at-home test, the important thing is to get tested and know your status.