Once upon a time syphilis was one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases.  Through good testing, treatment, and follow-up, however, cases of this disease were significantly decreased.  Then a surprising trend occurred nationwide in cities like San Francisco and New York City--- syphilis infections started popping back up amongst gay/bisexual men.  This same trend has also been seen on and off in the Rochester & FingerLakes region, as well.

                Many of the individuals who have the disease are being identified in the second stage of the disease, meaning they may have been infected for over a month…and thus potentially infecting others during that period. This causes obvious concern for the health and well being of sexually active gay and bisexual men in our area.  An increased effort for awareness, screening & prevention is needed in our community now!

The first step in preventing a disease like syphilis knowing what it is, how you get it, what to look for, and how to prevent it.  Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted primarily by sexual fluids and blood, but can also be passed through contact with syphilis related sores (described below).  Once the bacterium enters the human body, it infects the bloodstream.  Syphilis is generally characterized by three stages:

·         Primary Syphilis: This first stage of syphilis appears between a week and 3 months after being infected.  One or more red sores called chancres (pronounced “shankers”) appear at the site of infection…usually the mouth, genitals, or rectum.  These sores are usually painless and sometimes undetectable (especially if they are internal) and they go away on their own in 2 to 6 weeks.

·         Secondary Syphilis: This second stage shows up about 6 to 8 weeks after the chancre(s) heal and lasts 2 to 6 weeks.  This stage demonstrates itself as a rash on the body, including palms of hands and soles of feet.  Other symptoms might include things such as sore throat, achy muscles/joints, headaches, loss of appetite, etc.

·         Late-Stage Syphilis: After the secondary syphilis stage has cleared up, the syphilis bacterium begins a long and destructive process in the human body.  It begins to attack  various organs and systems of the body and can lead to serious health complications and sometimes death.

There is some good news about syphilis.  First of all, if it is caught early, it is easily treatable.  A syphilis infection that is caught in either the primary or secondary stages can be treated and cured.  A blood test can identify syphilis in these stages and then it can be treated with penicillin (usually injected).  Secondly, using safer sex practices can greatly reduce your chances of contracting syphilis.  Not having sex with someone who may be infected with syphilis (or who has only recently begun treatment for a known infection), using condoms for anal, vaginal and oral sex, and avoiding contact with any sores or rashes your partner(s) may have will help prevent transmission of the infection.

Syphilis is a serious---and yet treatable and preventable---disease.  As both individuals and a community it is time that we start focusing our attention on protecting ourselves, getting tested and, if needed, getting treatment.  Working together we can really help keep ourselves and our community queer & healthy!!