One of many massive three STIs — syphilis is a typical Sexually Transmitted An infection (STI) which impacts homosexual and bi+ guys.
What’s additionally frequent are sure myths and misconceptions about syphilis, which might stigmatise the STI and discourage folks from getting handled.
From the way it’s transmitted to the way to deal with it, we’ve pulled collectively some myths surrounding syphilis so you know the way greatest to handle a case of it.
1. MYTH: syphilis is a factor of the previous
Though syphilis has been round for some time (500 years or so!), you possibly can nonetheless get it right this moment, and it’s on the rise. The charges of syphilis infections have been increasing in Australia over the previous 5 years, although sure populations are extra affected than others. These embrace males who’ve intercourse with males, folks residing with HIV and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2. MYTH: there are not any prevention strategies for syphilis
There are a variety of the way you possibly can forestall the unfold of syphilis. Condoms and dams assist defend in opposition to syphilis, however it’s nonetheless attainable for syphilis to unfold even while you’re utilizing barrier safety. Getting often examined for syphilis may also cease the unfold of syphilis among the many neighborhood and guarantee early and efficient therapy. Discover your nearest sexual well being testing service with our interactive map.
Doxy-PEP is an rising technique within the prevention of syphilis for homosexual and bi+ guys in Australia. Doxy-PEP entails taking 200 mg of the antibiotic doxycycline inside 72 hours after intercourse. Doxy-PEP provides decent protection against syphilis (70-80% reduction). Learn our full explainer to see if doxy-PEP is best for you.
There’s additionally a syphilis vaccine within the works.
3. MYTH: you may get syphilis from a bathroom
No, you possibly can’t get syphilis from a bathroom seat. Syphilis is just not transmitted by means of sharing bogs, towels, clothes or cutlery with somebody who has it.
Syphilis can unfold by means of intercourse. This consists of oral intercourse, anal intercourse, arse play, sharing intercourse toys, vaginal or entrance gap intercourse, fingering or fisting. Syphilis can even unfold by means of contact with an contaminated space of pores and skin or by means of sharing razors or needles.
4. MYTH: it’s apparent while you get syphilis
Widespread syphilis signs, comparable to sores (additionally known as chancres) and a rash on the palms and the soles of the ft, could make syphilis extra apparent. Nonetheless, some folks don’t get syphilis signs, and in the event that they do, rashes and sores may be painless and hidden, so their presence can simply go unnoticed. Signs can present up between 10 days and three months of an infection, so it might be much less apparent that it’s syphilis. One of the simplest ways to know when you’ve got syphilis is to get often examined by your physician or at a sexual health service.
5. MYTH: syphilis solely impacts the genitals
Some folks might imagine that as a result of syphilis is an STI, signs will solely seem in your genital areas (cock, balls, arse, and entrance gap). Nonetheless, some signs have an effect on different components of the physique, comparable to your eyes, arms, ft, lips or mouth. It’s good to maintain an eye fixed out for syphilis signs, comparable to sores and rashes on all components of your physique (not simply your genitals), and get examined in case you discover syphilis signs.
6. MYTH: syphilis is incurable
Syphilis is treatable. It’s often handled with penicillin injections. Various therapy choices can be found for anybody who’s allergic to penicillin.
Some folks might imagine syphilis is incurable as a result of it exhibits up in a check even after you have got been efficiently handled. This doesn’t imply you have got syphilis once more. Let your physician know that you just’ve beforehand had and been handled for syphilis, and they’re going to have the ability to inform you when you’ve got a brand new an infection. Keep in mind, after treating syphilis, you possibly can nonetheless get syphilis once more sooner or later.
7. MYTH: syphilis will go away by itself
Even when signs of syphilis disappear, with out therapy you continue to have syphilis. It is advisable get therapy to stop any extreme long-term results in your well being and stop spreading it to others.
8. MYTH: syphilis is handled with Salvarsan 606/arsenic
Within the 1910s, an arsenic compound known as Salvarsan 606 was found by Sahachiro Hata and Paul Ehrlich. It handled syphilis with out harming wholesome tissue, so it was known as a ‘magic bullet’. Salvarsan is now not used for treating syphilis, nevertheless it impressed the event of antibiotics that we use right this moment.
It’s important to get the correct info when speaking about STIs like syphilis. This implies we are able to take cost of our personal sexual well being (utilizing prevention strategies, getting tested regularly) and inform others who might imagine a few of these myths.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for extra data on syphilis, take a look at our Knowledge Hub, and our article Everything you need to know about syphilis.
