Syphilis Testing near me in Cottage Grove, Minnesota

Who should get tested for syphilis?

According to the CDC, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but it is particularly common among men who have sex with men. It is also recommended for pregnant women, as syphilis can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or birth. If you have been diagnosed with another sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia, you should also get tested for syphilis, as these diseases often occur together.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It can lead to damage to the heart, brain, and other organs, and in pregnant women, it can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death. Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications.

Syphilis testing options in Cottage Grove, MN:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care and walk-in clinics are a convenient option for syphilis testing. Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, MN, and Mayo Clinic Health System Urgent Care in Red Wing, MN are nearby options. You can book same-day and next-day appointments through Solv’s website and 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 Cottage Grove area.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are community health centers in the Cottage Grove area that offer free or low-cost STD testing. It's important to check with the center about their testing services, as some may not offer syphilis testing.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits for syphilis are also available. These kits allow you to collect a sample at home and send it to a lab for testing.

Prevalence of syphilis in Cottage Grove

The prevalence of syphilis in Cottage Grove, MN, is lower than the national average, according to the CDC. However, cases have been rising in recent years, in line with national trends. Comparatively, nearby counties such as Gogebic County and Marshall County have similar rates of syphilis.

Risk factors related to syphilis in Cottage Grove

Risk factors for syphilis in Cottage Grove include unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, and a history of other STDs. Men who have sex with men and individuals with HIV are particularly at risk.

Other STDs in Cottage Grove

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