September 21, 2023 – It was only a routine checkup – or so she thought. But this time, Marnina Miller's love interest got here along. The couple went to an STD clinic in Houston where Miller worked to get tested for it syphilis and HIV.
With her immune system already weakened resulting from an HIV diagnosis nine years ago, it’s critical for Miller to make sure she is freed from other illnesses. Her test for syphilis was negative. Her partner, alternatively, tested positive for latent (or stage 3) syphilis.
Syphilis has been on the rise within the United States for greater than 20 years. From 2017 to 2021, the variety of cases increased by 75% (to 176,713), in line with the CDC. Houston – the fourth largest city within the US – appears to be on the epicenter. There was a 128% increase in syphilis cases there between 2019 and 2022, particularly amongst women and folks of color. after to the Houston Health Department. This summer, drugmaker Pfizer reported widespread shortages of the antibiotic penicillin, used to cure early-stage syphilis and treat latent syphilis.
“I was immediately scared,” Miller said. “I was nervous about what this meant for me because we had kissed before. And even though I openly live with HIV, there is hardly any information about syphilis and its infection.”
The Houston Department of Health has warned Houstonians to take this health crisis seriously by practicing protected sex and getting tested to see in the event that they are sexually energetic. Houston and Harris County, Texas, also saw a ninefold increase in congenital syphilis, during which a pregnant mother passes the disease to her baby. In order to assist contain the spread, residents can now provide help free Testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) at health clinics in Houston.
“It is critical for pregnant women to seek prenatal care and syphilis testing to protect themselves from an infection that could lead to the death of their babies.” said Marlene McNeese Ward, deputy assistant director of the Houston Health Department's Office of HIV/STI and Viral Hepatitis Prevention. She said a pregnant woman should be tested for syphilis 3 times during her pregnancy.
There are 4 stages of syphilis: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. (See the symptoms of every stage Here.) Oral, anal and vaginal sex are a few of the ways the disease can spread. Some individuals who turn into infected with syphilis never show symptoms and will suffer from the disease for years without knowing it.
Penicillin can cure each syphilis and congenital syphilis. The antibiotic cannot reverse the damage to your organs brought on by an infection, especially if the disease was already advanced before treatment.
Teriya Richmond, MD, explained what a median testing day looks like. When you arrive on the testing site, you will probably be checked in and told what kinds of STDs you may be tested for. The CDC recommends that you just get tested for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis C, gonorrhea and chlamydia. Syphilis tests are done using blood samples. Tests for other diseases include oral or anal swabs and urine samples, says Richmond, a board-certified family physician who makes a speciality of women's health.
Sergino Nicolas, MD, is creating TikTok videos and Instagram Reels to lift awareness of the outbreak. The Pittsburgh-based emergency room physician said there is usually a “casual” attitude toward sexually transmitted diseases amongst some people of their 20s and 30s. Ignorance of the implications of syphilis could influence this attitude. “Thinking like, 'I can just get treated,' I think there's a danger, because when you have these infections, [irreversible] Complications can arise,” he said.
The preconceived notion amongst this age group that oral sex is a safer alternative to vaginal or anal sex can be widespread, Nicolas said. “Any time you have infected secretions or are exposed to mucous membranes, including the vaginal lining, this can lead to the spread of the infection.”
Women with dark skin are particularly affected by the outbreak. Syphilis has a big selection of signs and symptoms, and that might play a very important role, Nicolas said. Lack of education in regards to the dangers of unprotected sex, especially if you might have multiple sexual partners, might be one more reason, because it increases rates of yeast infections and sexually transmitted diseases, he said.
Another potential factor: Sexually explicit music and entertainment may cloud judgment about whether to interact in sexual intercourse, Nicolas said. Younger generations specifically could be affected by this. “In the last few months there have been new artists who are really pushing for female empowerment in some ways,” he said. “At the same time, they may also push a narrative more focused on promiscuity, which could lead to certain psychological effects” that could lead on to unsafe sexual practices.
Public health activists in Houston are raising awareness in regards to the importance of getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Kevin Anderson is the founding father of the TRUTH Project, a Houston-based nonprofit organization that educates and mobilizes LGBTQ communities of color through social arts that promote sexual, mental and physical health.
As the TRUTH Project celebrates its tenth anniversary, it’s creatively promoting syphilis education and awareness. The organization's recent events included an open mic evening called “Heart and Soul” with free on-site STD testing for attendees. There was also a sex-positive evening aimed toward educating participants about sexually transmitted diseases and protected sex practices. Self-love, self-care and self-confidence for your individual body are one in every of the group's most vital messages. “If something feels or looks different, love yourself enough to proactively investigate and figure out what's going on — because avoidance leads to breakouts,” Anderson said.
Maybe you're nervous that you just is perhaps STD positive. Or perhaps you're going to get tested for the primary time. Remember to deal with your sexual health and be in command of your body, Miller said. “Have no fear. Take care.”