Key Highlights :
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently released data showing that the number of diagnosed cases of syphilis and gonorrhoea in England have reached the highest levels since records began. In 2022, the number of syphilis diagnoses rose to 8,692, the highest since 1948, while the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses rose to 82,592, an increase of 50.3% compared to 2021. These infections can cause serious health problems if left untreated, so it is important to understand the symptoms and how to protect yourself.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It typically progresses in stages, and each stage presents with different symptoms. The primary stage usually involves the appearance of a painless sore or ulcer known as a chancre at the site of infection (usually genitals, anus, or mouth). The sore is firm, round, and usually goes unnoticed due to its painlessness. The chancre can heal on its own within a few weeks. Secondary stage symptoms may include a widespread rash that can appear on the trunk, extremities, palms, or soles of the feet. The rash may be accompanied by fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, muscle aches, and weight loss. Lesions in the mouth, genital area, or anus may also occur. Some individuals may experience patchy hair loss, especially in the eyebrows or scalp. Latent stage syphilis has no noticeable symptoms, but without treatment, the infection may progress to the tertiary stage. Tertiary stage syphilis can affect various organs, including the heart, brain, nerves, bones, and joints. Symptoms can range widely and vary depending on which organs are affected. Common symptoms include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, blindness, dementia, and other neurological problems.
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. It can affect both men and women and can cause a range of symptoms. Men may experience a painful or burning sensation during urination, white, yellow, or greenish discharge from the penis, swollen or painful testicles, frequent urination, and redness or swelling at the opening of the penis. Women may experience increased vaginal discharge, painful or burning sensation during urination, vaginal bleeding between periods, painful sexual intercourse, abdominal or pelvic pain, itching or irritation in the genital area, and a sore throat (if the infection is acquired through oral sex). Rectal infections may cause discomfort, itching, discharge, or bleeding in both men and women. Infections in the throat may cause a sore throat, but often without any symptoms. It's important to note that these symptoms can be mild or easily mistaken for other conditions. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, some individuals may not experience any symptoms at all.
If you suspect you have been exposed to either syphilis or gonorrhea or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Untreated syphilis and gonorrhea can lead to serious complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, and increased risk of HIV transmission. It is also important to practice safe sex by using condoms and to get tested regularly. With the right knowledge and prevention techniques, we can reduce the risk of infection and help to protect the health of our communities.