You can have syphilis, and not even know you've got it. If you don't get it treated it can lead to a lot of health problems, especially if you're HIV positive.
And it's important to know syphilis is on the increase again. Knowing the facts can mean you can better protect yourself or get treated more quickly.
Who is more at risk to get it?
Anyone can get syphilis, but men who have sex with men account for 90% of the cases of infectious syphilis in New South Wales. About half of these guys are HIV positive. So if you are HIV positive, sexually active, and fucking with men, it makes good sense to have a regular blood test (i.e. every three months) for syphilis.
Where can I go for testing and treatment?
You can ask your GP or HIV doctor for a blood test when you have your regular blood tests done. You need to ask for a test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and this includes sypilis.
[1]
If you have recently had any other STI like gonorrhoea or chlamydia, you should ask your doctor for a syphilis test as well.
For more STI information, education and services please visit www.thedramadownunder.info [2]