Is Syphilis a common STI in Australia?

Published March 3 2023 inSexual Health
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Syphilis is one of the oldest known sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and remains a major public health concern today. In 2020, the WHO estimates that around 7.1 million people are diagnosed with Syphilis every year.

In this blog, we will discuss Syphilis, its symptoms, and how its spread can be prevented.

Overview of Syphilis and its prevalence

Syphilis is an STI caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is an infectious disease that can be transmitted through contact with an infected individual’s blood, secretions, and tissues. Syphilis can be spread through sexual contact, kissing, and sharing sex toys.

Symptoms of the infection

Syphilis can be notoriously hard to detect because its symptoms so often mirror those of other infections. Remember also that many people infected with Syphilis have no symptoms at all.

At the onset of Syphilis, a circular and firm sore (or chancre) may appear at the original site of infection – this is most often on the genitals, but can also affect the mouth and lips. This sore will last 3 to 6 weeks before healing. Rashes will then appear on the mouth, genitals, or anus. These rashes will:

  • Appear during or after the primary chancre heals
  • Appear as rough and red, with reddish brown spots on the hands and soles of the feet
  • May be faint and difficult to identify

Patches of raised white tissue may also appear in the mouth, armpit, and groin.

Other symptoms of Syphilis include:

  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Headaches
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Sore throat
  • More chancres

If Syphilis is left untreated, these symptoms will go away on their own, but the disease will lie dormant in the body. During this latent period, no outward symptoms will appear.

Approximately ten to thirty years after the initial infection, if left untreated, Syphilis reaches a final, deadly phase. During this phase, multiple organ systems may become compromised, potentially causing:

  • Blindness
  • Personality changes
  • Seizures
  • Aortic aneurism
  • Dementia
  • Hearing loss
  • Nerve damage

How do you get Syphilis?

Syphilis primarily spreads through unprotected sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Though Syphilis is primarily known as a sexually transmitted infection, you can also get Syphilis without being sexually active by:

  • Sharing needles with someone who has a Syphilis infection
  • Blood transfusions
  • Organ donations
  • Touching another person’s Syphilitic sore

How to prevent the spread of Syphilis

You can prevent the spread of Syphilis by using condoms and other forms of protection when having sex.

If you think you might have been exposed to Syphilis, you should get tested immediately and consult a doctor to begin treatment. When you have an outbreak of Syphilitic sores, you should not have sex with anyone until you have been tested and treated.

Treatment options for those infected with Syphilis

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually injections, tablets, or capsules. The type of antibiotic prescribed, and the length of the treatment, depends on the stage of the Syphilis.

How common is Syphilis in Australia?

Despite still making up a small proportion of total STIs in Australia, notifications of infectious Syphilis are on the rise. Since 2015, notifications of the disease have increased by nearly 90%.

The cause for the rise in the prevalence of Syphilis is not entirely known, but several factors are suspected. Many medical professionals believe that, with HIV becoming a less deadly disease because of the rise of effective treatments, people are becoming less concerned about the spread of STIs, and therefore less careful about practising safe sex. Testing for Syphilis had also decreased as the infection had become rare.

Final thoughts

Syphilis is a serious infection and can lead to severe health complications, and even death, if left untreated. People need to be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options available so they can act quickly should they think they have been exposed to infection.

Prevention is also key – practicing safe sex with condoms or other forms of protection is essential to avoid contracting this infection. With rising numbers of cases being reported across Australia and the world, it’s more important than ever that everyone takes steps to protect themselves from potential exposure.

If you think you may have been exposed or have any concerning symptoms, contact Better2Know today by calling the number above to speak to one of our Sexual Health Advisors, or book online by following this link.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike has been delivering world class Sexually Transmitted Infections testing services to Better2Know patients around the world for over ten years. He has written extensively on the subject, including numerous blogs for Better2Know which are designed to demystify the complex intricacies of sexual health testing. Mike wants to help his readers understand the risks they take in their daily sexual lives and provide the information they need when choosing an STI or STD test in a clear, concise and understandable way. Mike is particularly interested in writing about viral STIs like HIV and Hepatitis, as these infections can have a devastating impact on people’s lives if they are not diagnosed quickly. Only through being well informed can you best care for your health, and Mike is passionate about sharing his knowledge and experience to help you and all his readers lead a happier, healthier life.