If you live in Kingston or the surrounding area, it’s possible you have seen posters and signs around the city encouraging people to get tested for syphilis. This is because the number of people who have syphilis in Kingston and surrounding area has gone up. In 2019, the number of syphilis cases in Kingston was 5.8 cases per 100,000. The most recent data for 2023 shows there were 44.8 cases per 100,000.
From 2019 to 2023, that represents an increase of 672%.
This is concerning because syphilis can go undetected; if left untreated, it can lead to very poor health outcomes. In cases where pregnant mothers are infected with syphilis, they can pass the infection to their babies. This is called congenital syphilis, which can lead to birth defects and/or developmental delays for the baby. From 2022-2023, Kingston and surrounding area saw 6 cases of congenital syphilis.
This is the bad news.
The good news is that syphilis is both treatable and preventable. My hope today is to teach you a little about what syphilis is, how it’s spread, what the symptoms are, how to get tested & treated, and how to prevent getting it.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a specific bacteria.
How is Syphilis Spread?
In most cases, Syphilis is spread through sexual contact. For example, vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby in the womb (uterus). For a more exhaustive list of how syphilis is spread (transmitted) click on the link below.
Syphilis: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca
What are the Symptoms of Syphilis?
Not everyone with syphilis has symptoms. If you have syphilis and no symptoms, you can still spread the bacteria to others.
“Syphilis can progress through four stages: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary, with each stage producing different symptoms. Many of the symptoms mimic that of other illnesses, which often makes it very difficult to diagnose. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all and others may have some symptoms but not others. As a person progresses from stage to stage, the symptoms of syphilis may go away on their own, but this does not mean that the infection is gone.”
For a full list of symptoms at each of the 4 stages follow the link below.
Syphilis – Sex & U (sexandu.ca)
How to Get Tested?
Testing for syphilis involves getting blood work or swabbing a soar or rash.
If you are pregnant, it is recommended that you get tested for syphilis three times during pregnancy: at the beginning, between 28 to 32 weeks, and when you deliver your baby.
For testing locations in Kingston and Napanee, click on the link below.
Sexual health clinics - KFL&A Public Health (kflaph.ca)
How is Syphilis Treated?
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are usually given by needle. The number of doses needed for treatment depends on how long you have had syphilis. It is important to work with your health care provider to make sure the syphilis infection is fully treated.
It is also important to notify people who you’ve had sexual contact with while you were contagious. This allows them to get tested for syphilis and treated if needed. If you are uncomfortable notifying your sexual contacts, your health care provider can help.
Syphilis: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca
How Can I Prevent Getting Syphilis?
There are two main ways to prevent getting syphilis. The first is 100% effective but not an agreeable option for everyone: abstinence - not having sex. The second is using a condom or dental dam during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While using a dental dam or a condom is helpful, it’s not a surefire way of eliminating all risk of getting syphilis.
Take Home Points:
Syphilis is treatable! If you think you may have syphilis, get tested. The sooner the better. If you wait there may be irreversible damage.
If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy and you have any concern that you may have syphilis, get tested. For testing locations in Kingston and Napanee, click on the link below.
Sexual health clinics - KFL&A Public Health (kflaph.ca)
By: Adriane, RN ~ Prenatal Educator
Resources:
Syphilis: Symptoms and treatment - Canada.ca
Sexual health clinics - KFL&A Public Health (kflaph.ca)
Syphilis – Sex & U (sexandu.ca)