Syphilis Testing near me in University Place, Washington

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, people living with HIV, and those who have multiple sexual partners. If you're in these groups or have a partner who falls into these categories, it's recommended that you get tested for syphilis. Pregnant women should also be tested for syphilis as it can lead to serious complications for the baby if left untreated.

Importance of getting tested

Getting tested for syphilis is crucial as it's often dubbed as the 'great imitator' due to its ability to mimic other diseases, making it hard to diagnose based on symptoms alone. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term complications such as damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Furthermore, testing can help curb the spread of the disease in the community.

Syphilis testing options in University Place, WA:

Urgent care and walk-in clinics

Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics offer quick and convenient testing options. Mary Bridge Children's Urgent Care in nearby Gig Harbor and Tran Urgent Care & Wellness Centers in Tacoma are two such facilities where you can get tested. With 42 locations in the area, 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. It's usually a simple blood test that can be done during a regular check-up.

Free STD testing and community health centers

There are also free STD testing centers and community health centers in and around University Place that provide syphilis testing. These centers often provide testing for other STDs/STIs as well.

At-home testing

At-home testing kits are another convenient option. These kits can be ordered online, used in the privacy of your home, and then sent back to a lab for analysis.

Prevalence of syphilis in University Place

While exact figures for University Place aren't readily available, Pierce County, where University Place is located, has seen an upward trend in syphilis cases in recent years, mirroring the national trend. This rise in syphilis cases underscores the importance of regular testing, particularly for those in high-risk groups.

Risk factors related to syphilis in University Place

Risk factors for syphilis in University Place are similar to those nationwide. These include having multiple sexual partners, being a man who has sex with men, or living with HIV. Engaging in unprotected sex also increases the risk.

Other STDs in University Place

In addition to syphilis, other STDs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and hepatitis are also prevalent in University Place and the wider Pierce County. Regular testing is recommended for these STDs/STIs as well, particularly for those in high-risk groups.