Why is Syphilis Surging?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that syphilis cases in the United States increased by nearly 80% to more than 207,000 between 2018 and 2022.  With gonorrhea and chlamydia, in 2022, there were more than 2.5 million cases reported.  The World Health Organization estimates that 8 million adults between 15 and 49 acquired syphilis in 2022.

What’s going on?  Unprotected sex.  We all know that, but here is the “nitty-gritty” of acquiring syphilis and how to get rid of it:

• Syphilis is a bacterial infection. It is very easy to give to other people, mostly through the vagina, oral and anal cavities.
• Women are the highest risk for having syphilis and can pass the disease onto their babies in utero if not treated while pregnant.
• In the beginning, syphilis is very easy to give to other people when there are sores, especially if these sores go unnoticed.  A rash could also be present.
• If you have multiple sex partners or multiple contacts with the same person, you increase your chances of getting the disease by 60%.
• It can stay in your body before you know it. The incubation period ranges from ten days to three months.

How do you Rid your body of Syphilis?

• If you take antibiotics like penicillin or doxycycline correctly, it can be 100% curable.
• Don’t share needles with those who inject drugs, illicit or legitimate. You don’t want their bodily fluids.
• Get tested if sexually active for STDs. Use condoms!  They can save your life!

You can die from syphilis!  It can affect your eyes, heart, even your brain! It can infect anyone. You can get tested for syphilis and other STDs at your doctor’s office, a community health clinic, the health department or your local Planned Parenthood health center.

Sources:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, WebMD, “How on Earth is there a Syphilis Epidemic in 2024” 7/28/2024, N.Y. Times.