Is Syphilis Still Common?

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, has a long history and has been a significant public health concern for centuries. But in recent years, it’s made a comeback. Despite advances in medicine and prevention, syphilis remains a prevalent and concerning infection in the United States and around the world.

In this article, we’ll explore why syphilis is still common today, the risks associated with it, and how to prevent and treat syphilis to protect yourself and your partners.

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that typically spreads through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The infection progresses in four stages—primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary—each with different symptoms and risks.

• Primary Syphilis: The first sign of syphilis is often a painless sore or ulcer (called a chancre) at the site of infection, typically on the genitals, anus, or mouth. The sore lasts for a few weeks and often heals on its own.
• Secondary Syphilis: A few weeks to months later, individuals may develop a skin rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and other symptoms. This stage can also resolve without treatment, but the bacteria remain in the body.
• Latent Syphilis: After the secondary stage, the infection can enter a latent phase, where the bacteria remain dormant but still affect the body.
• Tertiary Syphilis: If untreated, syphilis can progress to tertiary syphilis, a severe stage that can affect organs like the heart, liver, and brain, leading to long-term health problems and death.

Is Syphilis Still Common?

Yes, syphilis is still common today, and in fact, its rates have been increasing in many parts of the world, including in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of syphilis cases has been on the rise, particularly in recent years.

Recent Syphilis Statistics

• Rising cases: The CDC reports a significant increase in syphilis cases over the past decade. In 2020, there were nearly 130,000 cases of syphilis reported in the U.S.—a sharp rise compared to previous years.
• Rates among men: The rise in syphilis cases has been most pronounced among men who have sex with men (MSM), although heterosexual men and women are also at risk.
• Congenital syphilis: There has been a concerning uptick in congenital syphilis—a condition where a pregnant person passes syphilis to their baby. This can lead to severe complications, including stillbirth or premature birth.

Why is Syphilis on the Rise?

Several factors contribute to the increase in syphilis cases:

1. Lack of awareness: Many people are unaware of the risks of syphilis and may not seek testing or treatment until it progresses to a more advanced stage.
2. Increase in unprotected sex: As more people engage in unprotected sex, the transmission of syphilis and other STIs increases.
3. Delayed or missed diagnoses: Since the symptoms of syphilis can be mild or go unnoticed—especially in the early stages—many people may not get tested until the infection has progressed.
4. Stigma around STI testing: The stigma surrounding STIs can prevent people from seeking testing and treatment, allowing infections to spread unnoticed.
5. Drug use: The rise in substance use has been associated with a higher risk of syphilis transmission, as people may be less likely to use protection during sex.

How is Syphilis Spread?

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact—whether vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also spread through direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre, which may appear during the primary or secondary stages of infection. In rare cases, syphilis can be passed from a pregnant person to their baby, resulting in congenital syphilis.

What Are the Symptoms of Syphilis?

The symptoms of syphilis can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Since the initial symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed, syphilis may not be diagnosed until it has advanced.

Primary Syphilis:

• A painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection (genitals, anus, mouth, or other areas of contact).
• The sore lasts 3-6 weeks and heals without treatment, but the bacteria remain in the body.

Secondary Syphilis:

• Skin rashes that may appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat.
• Mucous patches in the mouth or genitals.
• Patchy hair loss (alopecia).
• Warts or growths around genital areas.

Latent Syphilis:

• This stage can be asymptomatic, but the infection remains in the body and can lead to tertiary syphilis if left untreated.

Tertiary Syphilis:

• This stage can occur years after the initial infection, affecting organs like the heart, brain, and liver, leading to severe complications such as blindness, deafness, paralysis, and death.

Congenital Syphilis:

• If a pregnant person has syphilis, it can pass to their baby, leading to serious health problems, such as stillbirth, premature birth, or birth defects.

How is Syphilis Diagnosed and Treated?

Syphilis can be diagnosed with a blood test or by taking a sample from a sore. If syphilis is suspected, it’s essential to visit a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Syphilis

Syphilis is highly treatable with antibiotics. The CDC recommends penicillin as the standard treatment for all stages of syphilis. People with syphilis should complete their full course of treatment to ensure the infection is fully cured.

• Primary, secondary, and early latent syphilis: A single injection of penicillin is typically enough to cure the infection.
• Late latent and tertiary syphilis: A longer course of penicillin may be required.
• HIV testing: People diagnosed with syphilis should also be tested for HIV, as syphilis increases the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.

How Can Syphilis Be Prevented?

Preventing syphilis is simple but requires consistent effort:

1. Use condoms: Condoms can help reduce the risk of syphilis and other STIs, though they may not completely eliminate the risk because syphilis sores can appear in areas not covered by a condom.
2. Get tested regularly: Regular STI screenings are essential, especially for those who are sexually active with multiple partners or engage in unprotected sex.
3. Limit sexual partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners can decrease the risk of syphilis and other STIs.
4. Open communication with partners: Talking openly about STIs, testing, and sexual health can reduce the likelihood of transmission.

Need Syphilis Testing or Treatment in Miami Beach?

At Miami Beach Urgent Care, we offer confidential and discreet syphilis testing and treatment. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or want routine testing, our professional team is here to provide fast, effective care.

Call us today at +1 305-344-2273 or walk in to get tested and receive the care you need. Protect your health, and don’t delay in getting the testing or treatment you deserve.