An Engaging Piece: The Rise of Syphilis and the Importance of STD Testing
The Alarming Increase in Syphilis Cases in the US
Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that was once on the decline, has been making a significant comeback in the United States. According to the CDC, the number of syphilis cases in the US has skyrocketed by 75% from 2017 to 2021, reaching a total of 176,713 cases. This resurgence of syphilis is particularly prominent in Houston, the fourth largest city in the country, where there has been a staggering 128% increase in cases between 2019 and 2022.
What makes this rise in syphilis cases even more concerning is its impact on specific communities. Women and people of color are disproportionately affected by this outbreak. The Houston Health Department reports that syphilis cases among women and people of color have seen a significant surge. This alarming trend calls for immediate action to address the issue of syphilis in these communities.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and access to STD testing. Understanding the causes and consequences of syphilis is vital to preventing its spread and providing necessary treatment to those infected.
The Importance of STD Testing
STD testing plays a crucial role in curbing the spread of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Regular testing allows individuals to detect and treat infections at an early stage, preventing further complications and the transmission of the disease to others.
It is particularly crucial for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those living with HIV, to prioritize STD testing. Marnina Miller, who lives openly with HIV and recently discovered her partner had latent syphilis, highlights the importance of being proactive in sexual health. STD testing can help ensure that individuals like Miller do not suffer any further illnesses and can receive appropriate treatment if necessary.
The Houston Health Department has been actively promoting safe sex practices and encouraging sexually active individuals to get tested for STDs. This public health crisis requires concerted efforts to raise awareness about syphilis and the importance of regular testing.
The Dangers of Unprotected Sex and Lack of Education
Understanding the risks associated with unprotected sex is crucial in preventing the spread of syphilis. Many people who contract syphilis may not experience any symptoms and unknowingly carry the disease for an extended period, increasing the likelihood of transmission to sexual partners.
This lack of awareness and knowledge about syphilis contributes to its rapid spread, particularly among younger generations. Dr. Sergino Nicolas, an emergency room doctor, emphasizes that there is often a “nonchalant” attitude towards STDs among young adults. Ignorance of the consequences of syphilis can lead individuals to believe that treatment is readily available and underestimate the potential complications that can arise from the infection.
Societal factors, such as sexually explicit music and entertainment, can also shape attitudes towards sexual activity and contribute to unsafe practices. Artists promoting a narrative of promiscuity without adequately addressing the risks associated with unprotected sex may inadvertently contribute to the spread of syphilis and other STDs.
Addressing the Outbreak: Houston’s Initiatives
As the syphilis outbreak continues to be a pressing concern in Houston, various organizations and individuals are working tirelessly to educate and raise awareness about the importance of STD testing.
Project TRUTH, a Houston-based nonprofit organization founded by Kevin Anderson, focuses on promoting sexual, mental, and physical health among LGBTQ communities of color. Through social arts events, such as open mic nights and sex-positive nights, Project TRUTH aims to creatively engage and educate attendees about the dangers of STDs and the importance of self-care and knowing one’s body.
Houston’s Health Department has also stepped up its efforts by providing free STD testing at health clinics. By making testing more accessible, they hope to encourage individuals to prioritize their sexual health and take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of syphilis.
Increasing awareness, accessibility, and education are crucial elements in combating the syphilis outbreak and reducing the number of new infections in Houston and beyond.
Conclusion
The alarming rise in syphilis cases in the United States, particularly in Houston, calls for immediate action to address this public health crisis. Understanding the importance of regular STD testing and practicing safe sex is paramount in preventing the further spread of syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.
By promoting awareness, accessibility, and education, we can empower individuals to prioritize their sexual health and take proactive steps towards preventing the transmission of syphilis. It is essential to remember that open and honest conversations about sexual health are crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding STDs and creating a safer and healthier environment for all.
Summary
Syphilis has experienced a significant resurgence in the United States, with a 75% increase in cases from 2017 to 2021. This rise is particularly evident in Houston, which saw a 128% increase in syphilis cases between 2019 and 2022. Women and people of color are disproportionately affected by the outbreak. STD testing plays a crucial role in preventing further complications and transmission of syphilis. Lack of awareness, unprotected sex, and societal factors contribute to the spread of the disease. Initiatives such as free STD testing and community outreach programs aim to address the syphilis outbreak and promote sexual health awareness. By prioritizing regular testing and safe sex practices, we can work towards curbing the spread of syphilis and creating a healthier society.
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September 21, 2023: It was just a routine checkup, or so she thought. But this time, Marnina Miller’s love interest showed up. The couple headed to an STD clinic in Houston, where Miller worked, to get tested. syphilis and HIV.
With an already compromised immune system due to an HIV diagnosis 9 years ago, it is critical for Miller to ensure he does not suffer any further illnesses. The syphilis test was negative. Her partner, on the other hand, tested positive for latent (or stage 3) syphilis.
Syphilis has been on the rise in the US for more than two decades. From 2017 to 2021, the number of cases skyrocketed 75% (to 176,713), according to the CDC. Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, appears to be at the epicenter. Between 2019 and 2022, there was a 128% increase in syphilis cases there, particularly among women and people of color. according to the Houston Health Department. This summer, drugmaker Pfizer reported widespread shortages of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to cure early-stage syphilis and treat latent syphilis.
“I was scared immediately,” Miller said. “I was nervous about what that meant to me because we kissed before. And although I live openly with HIV, there is little education about syphilis and how it is contracted.”
The Houston Health Department has been warning Houstonians to take this public health crisis seriously by practicing safe sex and getting tested if they are sexually active. There has also been a nine-fold increase in congenital syphilis, which is when a pregnant mother passes the disease to her baby, in Houston and Harris County, TX. To help slow the spread, residents can now get free sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing at Houston health clinics.
“It is critical that pregnant women seek prenatal care and testing for syphilis to protect themselves from an infection that could lead to the death of their babies.” saying Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director of the Office of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention at the Houston Health Department. She said a pregnant woman needs to be tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy.
There are four stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. (See the symptoms of each stage here.) Oral, anal and vaginal sex are some of the ways the disease can spread. Some people who get syphilis never have symptoms and may have the disease for years without knowing it.
Penicillin can cure both syphilis and congenital syphilis. The antibiotic cannot reverse the damage caused to your organs through infection, especially if the disease has progressed far before treatment.
Teriya Richmond, MD, explained what an average exam day is like. When you arrive at the testing site, you will be checked in and learn about the types of STDs you can be tested for. The CDC recommends that you get tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Syphilis tests are done through blood samples. Tests for other diseases include oral or anal swabs and urine samples, said Richmond, a board-certified family physician who specializes in women’s health.
Sergino Nicolas, MD, creates TikTok videos and Instagram reels to raise awareness about the outbreak. The Pittsburgh-based emergency room doctor said there is often a “nonchalant” attitude toward STDs among some people in their 20s and 30s. Ignorance of the consequences of syphilis could drive this attitude. “With thoughts like ‘I can get treatment,’ I think there’s danger in that, because when you have these infections, [irreversible] complications can occur,” he said.
Preconceived notions among this age group that oral sex is a safer alternative to vaginal or anal sex are also common, Nicolas said. “Any time you have infected secretions or are exposed to mucosa, including vaginal mucosa, it can cause the infection to spread.”
Women of color have been particularly hard hit by the outbreak. Syphilis has a wide range of signs and symptoms, and that could play a big role, Nicolas said. Lack of education about the dangers of unprotected sex, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners, could be another reason, as doing so increases rates of yeast infections and STDs, he said.
Another potential factor: Sexually explicit music and entertainment can also cloud judgment about whether to engage in sexual activity, Nicolas said. Younger generations can especially be victims of this. “There have been new artists in the last few months who have really been pushing for ‘female empowerment’ in a sense,” he said. “At the same time, they can also push a narrative more related to promiscuity, which could result in certain psychological effects” that could lead to unsafe sexual practices.
Public health activists in Houston are spreading the word about the importance of getting tested for STDs. Kevin Anderson is the founder of Project TRUTH, a Houston-based nonprofit that educates and mobilizes LGBTQ communities of color through social arts that promote sexual, mental, and physical health.
As it celebrates its 10th anniversary, Project TRUTH is creatively promoting syphilis education and awareness. The organization’s recent events included an open mic night called “Heart and Soul,” with free on-site STD testing for attendees. She also hosted a sex-positive night with the goal of educating attendees about STDs and safe sex practices. Self-love, self-care and knowing your body is one of the group’s most prominent messages. “If something feels or looks different, love yourself enough to be proactive and follow up to find out what’s going on, because avoiding it leads to breakouts,” Anderson said.
Maybe you are nervous about the possibility of having a positive STD. Or maybe you are being tested for the first time. Remember that you monitor your sexual health and are in control of your body, Miller said. “Don’t be afraid. Take care of yourself.”
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