The Denver Element's Michael Beatty asked me to help spread the following message about syphilis so pay attention:
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has reported that a significant increase in syphilis infections has occurred among gay and bisexual men in the Denver metro area during the first six months of 2010. Most of the men who were diagnosed with syphilis had practiced behaviors that reduced the chances of transmitting HIV. However, due to the ways that syphilis is transmitted, these HIV prevention practices do not always prevent syphilis.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. Syphilis symptoms include sores and rashes on various parts of the body. Frequently, men who have syphilis do not recall having any symptoms or think the symptoms they have are due to something else, like a zipper cut or an allergic rash. If left untreated, syphilis symptoms will go away after a few weeks. Unfortunately, a man would still have syphilis and, if untreated, the infection could affect any part of his body and cause serious health complications.
The good news is that syphilis can be prevented and is curable. Limiting the number of your sexual partners, knowing your sexual partners, inspecting sex partners for sores, or abstaining from sex are ways to lessen your chances of getting syphilis.
A simple test can help you learn if you have syphilis and need to be treated. If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual man, it is recommended you get tested for syphilis. Places where you can be tested for syphilis or learn more about this infection include:
•Your health care provider’s office
•Denver Public Health (http://www.denverstdclinic.org)
605 Bannock St. Room 162 Denver, CO 80204
303-602-3540
Hours of Operation:
Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.7:45 AM to 4:00 PM
Wed. 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM
For more information on syphilis testing, please contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, (303) 692-2615. And for more information on how syphilis is spread, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. Syphilis symptoms include sores and rashes on various parts of the body. Frequently, men who have syphilis do not recall having any symptoms or think the symptoms they have are due to something else, like a zipper cut or an allergic rash. If left untreated, syphilis symptoms will go away after a few weeks. Unfortunately, a man would still have syphilis and, if untreated, the infection could affect any part of his body and cause serious health complications.
The good news is that syphilis can be prevented and is curable. Limiting the number of your sexual partners, knowing your sexual partners, inspecting sex partners for sores, or abstaining from sex are ways to lessen your chances of getting syphilis.
A simple test can help you learn if you have syphilis and need to be treated. If you are a sexually active gay or bisexual man, it is recommended you get tested for syphilis. Places where you can be tested for syphilis or learn more about this infection include:
•Your health care provider’s office
•Denver Public Health (http://www.denverstdclinic.org)
605 Bannock St. Room 162 Denver, CO 80204
303-602-3540
Hours of Operation:
Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri.7:45 AM to 4:00 PM
Wed. 7:45 AM to 3:00 PM
For more information on syphilis testing, please contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, (303) 692-2615. And for more information on how syphilis is spread, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/stdfact-syphilis.htm
