Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that has been around for centuries, but in recent years, it has made a comeback.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of syphilis cases in the United States has been steadily increasing for the past decade. In fact, in 2019, there were more than 129,000 reported cases of syphilis in the country, which is the highest number since 1991.

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as well as through sharing needles with an infected person.

The disease has several stages and can cause serious health problems if left untreated.

The Symptoms of Syphilis

Syphilis has several stages, and the symptoms can vary depending on the stage. The first stage is called primary syphilis, and it usually begins with a painless sore, or chancre, on the genitals, anus, or mouth.

This sore can last for several weeks and then heal on its own.

The second stage is called secondary syphilis, and it can occur several weeks after the chancre appears. During this stage, a rash may develop on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.

If syphilis is not treated at this stage, it can progress to the latent stage, which can last for years. During this stage, there are no visible symptoms, but the infection can still cause serious damage to the body.

The Link Between Syphilis and HIV

People infected with syphilis are more likely to contract other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. In fact, the CDC reports that men who have sex with men and are infected with syphilis are more than two times as likely to contract HIV.

The Resurgence of Syphilis

The recent resurgence of syphilis is concerning because the disease is easily treatable with antibiotics. However, many people do not realize they are infected because the symptoms can be mild or nonexistent.

Additionally, some healthcare providers may not think to test for syphilis, especially in areas where the disease is not common.

The rise in syphilis cases is also linked to changing sexual behaviors, particularly among young people. The popularity of dating apps and the ease of meeting sexual partners online has made casual sex more common.

This has led to an increase in the number of people who have multiple sexual partners, which can increase the risk of contracting syphilis and other STDs.

Preventing Syphilis

The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms correctly and consistently during sexual activity. It also means getting tested regularly for STDs, including syphilis, if you are sexually active.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

The disease is easily treatable with antibiotics, but if it is left untreated, it can cause serious health problems, including blindness, dementia, and even death.

Conclusion

Syphilis is a serious STD that is on the rise in the United States. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is important to practice safe sex and get tested regularly for STDs.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, it is important to start treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious health problems.