Syphilis Testing near me in Columbia, Maryland

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it's particularly prevalent among men who have sex with men. Individuals with HIV or those who have a partner with syphilis are also at a higher risk. It's important for pregnant women to get tested as syphilis can cause complications during pregnancy and can be passed to the baby. If you live in Columbia, MD, or nearby cities like Clarksville, Scaggsville, Fulton, Savage, or Highland, and fall into any of these categories, you should consider getting tested for syphilis.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is vital as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. According to the CDC, syphilis can damage your heart, brain, and other organs, and can even be fatal. Moreover, syphilis increases the risk of getting HIV. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications.

Syphilis testing options in Columbia, MD:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

There are several urgent care and walk-in clinics in Columbia, MD, where you can get tested for syphilis. AllCare Primary & Immediate Care on Snowden River Pkwy is one such location. You can book same-day and next-day testing appointments through Solv’s website and mobile app.

Primary care providers

Your primary care provider can also test for syphilis. If they do not provide this service, they can recommend a place where you can get tested.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also community health centers and free STD testing locations in Columbia, MD. These centers provide affordable testing options, especially for those without insurance.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. 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 Columbia

The prevalence of syphilis in Columbia, MD, is lower than the national average, but higher than some nearby counties like Fayette County and Sussex County. However, syphilis rates have been increasing in recent years, mirroring a national trend.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Columbia

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

Other STDs in Columbia

Other common STDs in Columbia include gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis. Like syphilis, these STDs can be serious if left untreated, but they can be detected with a simple test and are usually treatable.