One of the big three STDs – syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STD) that affects homosexuals and homosexuals.
What’s also common are some myths and misconceptions about syphilis, which can stigmatize the STD and discourage people from seeking treatment.
From how it’s transmitted to how to treat it, we’ve rounded up some myths surrounding syphilis so you know how to best manage a case of it.
1. MYTH: syphilis is a thing of the past
Although syphilis has been around for a long time (500 years or so!), you can still get it today, and it’s on the rise. The percentages of syphilis infections have increased in Australia over the past five years, although some populations are more affected than others. These include men who have sex with men, people living with HIV and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
2. MYTH: there are no methods of prevention for syphilis
There are several ways you can prevent the spread of syphilis. Condoms and barriers help protect against syphilis, but it’s still possible to spread syphilis even when using a barrier. Regular syphilis testing will also stop the spread of syphilis in the community and ensure early and effective treatment. Find your nearest sexual health testing service with our interactive map.
Although not yet approved in Australia, doxy-PEP (a way of using antibiotics after sex to help prevent certain STDs) has been shown to reduce the transmission of syphilis. A vaccine against syphilis is also in the works.
3. MYTH: you can get syphilis from a toilet
No, you can’t get syphilis from the toilet seat. Syphilis is not spread by sharing a bathroom, towels, clothes, or cutlery with someone who has it.
Syphilis can be spread through sex. This includes oral sex, anal sex, ass play, sharing sex toys, vaginal or front hole sex, finger or fist sex. Syphilis can also be spread through contact with an infected area of skin or through sharing razors or needles.
4. MYTH: it’s obvious when you get syphilis
Common symptoms of syphilis, such as sores (also called canker sores) and a rash on the palms and soles of the feet, can make syphilis more obvious. However, some people have no symptoms of syphilis, and if they do, the rashes and sores can be painless and hidden, so their presence can easily go unnoticed. Symptoms can appear between 10 days and three months after infection, so it may be less obvious that it is syphilis. The best way to find out if you have syphilis is to get regular tests from your doctor or a sexual health service.
5. MYTH: syphilis affects only the genitals
Some people may think that because syphilis is an STD, symptoms will only appear in your genital areas (cock, balls, front hole). However, some symptoms affect other parts of the body, such as your eyes, hands, feet, lips or mouth. It’s a good idea to watch for syphilis symptoms, such as sores and rashes all over your body (not just your genitals) and get tested if you notice syphilis symptoms.
6. MYTH: syphilis is incurable
Syphilis is treatable. It is usually treated with penicillin injections. Alternative treatment options are available for anyone allergic to penicillin.
Some people may think syphilis is incurable because it shows up on a test even after you’ve been successfully treated. This does not mean you have syphilis again. Tell your doctor that you have had and been treated for syphilis in the past and he will be able to let you know if you have a new infection. Remember, after treating syphilis, you can get syphilis again in the future.
7. MYTH: syphilis will go away on its own
Even if the symptoms of syphilis go away, without treatment you still have syphilis. You need to get treatment to prevent any serious long-term effects on your health and to prevent it from spreading to others.
8. MYTH: syphilis is treated with Salvarsan 606/male
In the 1910s, an arsenic compound called Salvarsan 606 discovered by Sahachiro Hata and Paul Ehrlich. It treated syphilis without harming healthy tissue, which is why it was called the “magic bullet.” Salvarsan is no longer used to treat syphilis, but it inspired the development of antibiotics we use today.
It’s important to get the facts right when talking about STDs like syphilis. This means we can take charge of our sexual health (using prevention methods, getting tested regularly) and informing others who may believe some of these myths.
If you’re looking for more information about syphilis, check out our Knowledge Hub and our article Everything you need to know about syphilis.
