Only a decade ago, syphilis was on the verge of being eradicated in the United States. However, a recent study released November 22 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a startling 39% increase for syphilis since 2006.

Specifically, syphilis is disproportionately high among men who have sex with men (MSM), and this demographic accounts for 62% of reported cases. The rate among black men, ages 16-24, has tripled.

The CDC reports describes these increases as a “concerning new trend.” Syphilis is preventable, and better screening and treatment needs to be established to address this growing problem. The CDC recommends that MSM are tested annually for syphilis, as well as Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

This recent report also has some positive news. While syphilis has had a dramatic increase in MSM and black males, there was a 7% decrease among women.

Chlamydia cases have risen 3% in 2009, but the CDC reports this increase as “stable.” This increase is not necessarily mean a higher prevalence disease, but is rather an indication that more people being tested.

Most notably, gonorrhea is at a record low since tracking began in 1941.

If untreated, syphilis can cause blindness and damage to the heart, brain, and organs. Pregnant women can also transmit syphilis to their infant. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause permanent reproductive damage and infertility in women. If detected early, these three disease can be easily cured with proper medication.

Common misspellings for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis include: klamydia, clamidia, chlamidia, clymidia, klamidia, gonorrhoea, gonorrhoeao, ganaria, gonnorhea, gonorrhea, sifilis, syphillis, and siphilis.

Sources: pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/22/embargo-12p-1122-cdc-progress-on-stds/?iref=allsearch

Of the many STDs in existence today, perhaps one of the least worrisome among sexually active individuals is none other than syphilis. Though the disease can certainly be detrimental or even deadly, the reason why many fail to regard it as a threat is because syphilis infections are far less common than some of the more “popular” STDs like genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.

Though syphilis was once considered to be a disease on the verge of elimination, it began to present itself as a serious threat to public health back in 2001. Since then, the number of syphilis infections within the country has been growing steadily.

While it’s true that men who have sex with other men account for the majority of people infected with syphilis throughout the United States, the CDC reports that cases among females have, in recent years, been increasing as well. Nonetheless, the largest at-risk group for contracting syphilis is unquestionably homosexual men. As of 2008, approximately 11% of gay men who got tested for the disease came back with positive results—a surprising figure as compared to statistics from 1999 that showed only a 4% incidence of infection.

Why has syphilis started to make such an unwelcome comeback? One reason may have to do with the fact that many—medical professionals included—stopped regarding it as a major concern several years back. As a result, plenty of people have foregone syphilis testing over the past number of years due to the fact that it wasn’t medically recommended.

Another contributing factor may have to do with disease-related symptoms, or a lack thereof. Many who are infected with syphilis don’t become aware of the fact for years due to an absence of obvious symptoms. Even when initial side effects do present themselves, they can often be mild in nature. Oftentimes, the first stage of syphilis will produce small, painless sores on the body that generally heal on their own—hardly a cause for concern in the eyes of most. Though the second stage of syphilis tends to produce more obvious symptoms such as additional rashes, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue, these, too, will often resolve without medical intervention.

It is for these very reasons that those at risk for syphilis need to make certain to undergo testing as necessary. Syphilis, if left untreated, can result in long-term bodily damage or even death. On the other hand, when caught early, syphilis can be easily treated and even cured.

Though there is still a degree of widespread debate regarding the extent to which people need to undergo syphilis testing, those whose lifestyles could lead to exposure would be wise to take matters into their own hands. Syphilis tests today can be ordered online and administered privately, and while it’s always best to consult a physician for health-related matters, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of this additional option. Furthermore, men who tend to engage in unprotected intercourse with other men should make syphilis testing a high priority; because although the disease may not be as common as some of the other infections out there, it’s far better to go the extra mile than to wind up suffering the consequences down the line.

Common misspellings for syphilis include sifilis, syphillis, and siphilis.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis is transmitted through direct skin to skin contact that has a syphilis sore. Transmission of the bacteria occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Syphilis sores can occur on the lips or the mouth. Pregnant women with the disease can pass on the disease to their babies. You cannot get syphilis from sharing toilet seats, door knobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs, utensils, or shared clothing.

Prevalence of Syphilis

In the United States, there were 36,000 cases of Syphilis reported in 2006. The incidence of syphilis in women was the highest in 20 to 24 years of age and in men 35 to 39 years of age. In 2006, 64% of reported syphilis cases occurred in homosexual males.

Symptoms of Syphilis

Many people with Syphilis do not know they have the bacteria but they can still transmit the STD to others through sexual contact. The only way to find out if you have Syphilis is to get an STD test. Symptoms include a single sore (a chancre) or multiple sores. The chancre is firm, round, small, and painless. The chancre appears at the spot where Syphilis entered the body. The chancre can last 3-6 wks, and it can heal without treatment. However, without treatment, syphilis infection can spread and damage other organs of the body. Other symptoms of more progressed disease are marked by a rash, mucous membrane lesions, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headache, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Treatment For Syphilis

Antibiotics such as penicillins work great against the Syphilis bacterium. If you have had Syphilis for less than a year, a single injection of the antibiotic is just what will be recommended. If you had it for longer than a year, then additional antibiotics may be prescribed. If you are allergic to penicillin, there are other antibiotics that just as effective.  You should not have sex during the treatment until the sores are gone. It also recommended that all partners should be tested for Syphilis and other STDs so they can get properly treated.

Sources:

www.cdc.gov