Why Syphilis Cases Are Rising and How To Protect Yourself

Cases of syphilis, a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI), are rising across the country and in our communities.

Megan Lutz, MD, OB-GYN with ProMedica Women’s Services, shares that more people getting tested is the best way to lower rates of syphilis in our community and across the nation.

Discover the facts, symptoms and prevention methods to protect yourself from contracting this curable but dangerous infection.

Risk Factors for Contracting Syphilis

Syphilis is spread through intercourse, including vaginal, anal and oral intercourse. Anyone who is sexually active can contract syphilis. The following factors put you at a greater risk of contracting the infection:

• Having sex with someone who has syphilis.
• Having multiple sexual partners.
• Having unprotected sex.
• Being a man who has intercourse with other men.
• Being immunocompromised.
• Drug use or being sexually active with drug users.
• Transactional sex.

Dr. Lutz explains that no matter your risk factors, being careful about your sexual partners and using protection during intercourse are some of the best things that you can do to prevent the transmission of syphilis.

In our region, syphilis is most present in people in their 20s and 30s, and in people who are of African American or Caucasian descent.

The Stages and Symptoms of Syphilis

The infection carries different symptoms and dangers based on the stage it is in. The first stage is usually a painless bump or a sore. This sore can appear anywhere on the body, but usually is on the mouth, the genitals or the anus. Syphilis is transmitted the most in this stage because people don't know that they have it.

The second stage is when people start feeling sick. Symptoms include fever, chills, a rash that’s all over the body and swollen lymph nodes. People typically notice something is wrong and go to the doctor during this stage.

If left without treatment for too long, the infection can cause permanent, sometimes life-threatening damage to the brain, heart, blood vessels and eyes.

Lastly, latent syphilis occurs when a person may not have any symptoms, but they could still be infectious and could still need treatment.

“Syphilis doesn't just present in one area of the body. So, if you're noticing sores or symptoms in other areas of the body, it's important to talk with your health care provider about what you're seeing on your body in relation to your sexual practices,” Dr. Lutz shares.

Health Risks to Pregnant Women

While syphilis is dangerous if left untreated for all populations, it is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and their babies. A pregnant mom may experience all the typical symptoms of syphilis. But syphilis also puts their baby at a greater risk of preterm birth, birth defects or stillbirth.

“If a woman has untreated syphilis, her baby can get syphilis during pregnancy or delivery,” Dr. Lutz shares. “If we have 30 days before delivery to treat the mom, we can do a good job preventing transmission to that baby.”

In our area, the rate of congenital syphilis, or syphilis present at birth, is going up just as much as the rate of syphilis for the general population.

“Women need to get tested multiple times throughout pregnancy to make sure that we're capturing a syphilis diagnosis before the baby is born,” Dr. Lutz shares.

At ProMedica OB-GYN practices, expectant mothers are tested for syphilis at the beginning of pregnancy, in the third trimester and sometimes also around the time of delivery.

Getting Tested

If you know or suspect that you've had sexual contact with someone who has syphilis, it's important to get tested as soon as you can. If you have multiple sexual partners, you should get tested several times throughout the year. Syphilis is treatable and curable, so the earlier you can catch it the better.

When having conversations with your partner(s), Dr. Lutz suggests maintaining a non-judgmental attitude and keeping the lines of communication open.

“If you have a partner who you don't know, or you don't feel you’re getting an honest answer from them, just go get yourself tested,” Dr. Lutz encourages.

To test for syphilis, you will need to have a blood test. You can be tested for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis, all in one blood test. For other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, a urine test or pelvic exam can be performed.

Treatment and Prognosis

Syphilis is curable, and easily treated with a round of antibiotics. The most important step is getting tested now, and often if you are pregnant or at higher risk of contracting the infection.

You can request a syphilis test at your primary care provider or OB-GYN, or your local health department.

Megan Lutz, MD
Dr. Lutz is an OB-GYN with ProMedica Women's Services. View her profile.