The last month has seen an increase in cases of syphilis being diagnosed in gay and bisexual men in the Bournemouth and Dorset area.

Most cases have been found in men who are frequent users of cruising areas and sauna’s, with a large number also citing internet meets as the probable source of their infection.

Syphilis enters the body during sexual contact when friction allows abrasions in the skin to appear, allowing entry of highly infectious bacteria. Blood and semen will also become infectious as the infection takes hold.

Recent years have seen a growth in sex venues and online chat rooms giving greater opportunities for men to meet multiple sexual partners which increases the risk of sexually transmitted and their forward transmission through the community.

Syphilis cases have risen by an astronomical amount in the last five years. Unfortunately, condoms do not give the necessary protection needed, although they do help, syphilis can be passed on from skin to skin contact through sucking, fucking and kissing.

The more sexual contacts a person has had will increase the risk they have of catching syphilis or another STI. Some new cases of syphilis are from men that already have HIV infection; this can obviously cause problems with treatment regimens, as well as lowering and already weakened immune system, and potential exposure to other strains of HIV.

Signs & Treatment

Initial signs of syphilis are not always present, but can appear as painless ulcers at the point of contact, either around or just inside the mouth, arse or on the shaft of the penis. Diagnosis is either by blood or finger prick test with results returned within 2 days.

Treatment is effective, those testing positive will be treated with antibiotics, either orally or by injection.

How We Can Help

It is important that contacts of those who are diagnosed as positive are traced and treated as well; this will reduce the spread of infection. All tracing is done confidentially and can either be done by the patient or by the clinic.

Contact the centre for details on 01202 257478.

A Health initiative by Billy Clarke SSN for Over the Rainbow.