Tags
bisexual, CDC, condoms, gay, get tested, homosexual, MMWR, protection, sex, sexuallytransmitted diseases, STD, syphilis
So when I accepted my current position at the health department, I couldn’t help but notice that Syphilis was way more common than I could’ve ever imagined. My previous preconceived notions led me to believe that no one really had Syphilis anymore and it was a disease of old(er) people. Unfortunately, I was sadly mistaken. Within a week of working at my job, I was telling anyone who would listen to please PRACTICE SAFE SEX…Syphilis is making a comeback!
Much like many other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Syphilis doesn’t discriminate. Young, old, Black, White, poor, and well off… if you’re sexually active, you’re at risk for contracting Syphilis. So far my memorable case was a 14 year old Haitian girl who had Syphilis (and a host of other STDs), living at a detention center, and to top it off, she was pregnant. SMH <<<< That doesn’t have to be your story.
I was reading an article this morning that confirmed my suspicions. Syphilis cases are actually increasing in numbers. The main groups at risk are both promiscuous homosexual males and bisexual males, so be careful ladies!
According to the CDC, “In 2013, the rate of reported primary and secondary syphilis in the U.S. was more than double the lowest-ever rate reported in 2000” (MMWR, 2014). Scary, right?
So the good news is that Syphilis is totally preventable. It’s a sexually transmitted disease, so use condoms at every sexual encounter. Limit the number of sexual partners and try to get into a monogamous relationship with someone you trust. It’s also a good idea to get tested with your partner for all STDs (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, HIV, etc.) before becoming sexually intimate so that you guys start with a clean slate and there aren’t any surprises. No one gets hurt or sick and no one ends up in jail… I know I have at least one crazy reader out there. LOL I don’t condone violence, BTW.
If you do get infected with Syphilis, know that it is treatable with 1-3 injections of Penicillin. However, you should keep in mind that Syphilis can lead to brain damage and a host of other horrible outcomes so it isn’t anything to play with. Just because it can be cured, doesn’t mean you should take your chances and risk your life.
Again, get tested and PRACTICE SAFE SEX.
Remember ladies, keep a healthy demeanor, both inside and out! 🙂
Patton ME, et al “Primary and secondary syphilis — United States, 2005–2013” MMWR 2014; 63: 402-406.