SCARY NEWS ABOUT SYPHILIS

A recent report reveals that many babies are born to women with this STI.

The CDC's latest report highlights a concerning rise in babies acquiring syphilis while still in the womb. The increase is staggering, with a 261% jump between 2013 and 2018. The rise in congenital syphilis during pregnancy is concerning because this infection can result in long-term neurological problems. It's also linked to the risk of miscarriage and infant mortality.

Many believe all pregnant women can quickly get prenatal care and testing, but this report clearly shows access problems. It's either that these women didn't receive proper prenatal care, or their doctors didn't consider the need for testing.

Why Prenatal Testing Is Essential

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that pregnant women should get checked for syphilis, HIV, and other STIs regularly. But the rules about this are different in each state. Some states say you must get checked for syphilis when pregnancy begins, later during pregnancy, and when the baby is born. Other states only need the test at the beginning of pregnancy. Surprisingly, states like Hawaii, Mississippi, and Maine don't make it a rule to test for syphilis during pregnancy.

Some medical professionals even wrongly associate syphilis with a disease that only affects gay men. This misconception is harmful because syphilis doesn't discriminate based on sexual orientation. In the past, screening for chlamydia and gonorrhoea was prioritized for women due to their potential to cause infertility. However, syphilis testing should also be standard for women. Testing for all STIs is necessary.

Symptoms Can Be Vague; Treatment Is Easy

You can have syphilis without awareness because early signs can be easy to miss or confuse with something else. Symptoms include sores on areas where the infection entered and swollen glands, skin rash, fever, and muscle aches. Additionally, there are fewer specific symptoms such as swollen glands, a skin rash, fever, and muscle aches. Many people miss these symptoms or confuse them with something else. Syphilis is known as the 'great imitator' because its symptoms can mimic other conditions.

After the initial symptoms of syphilis, there is a period when you may not experience any symptoms at all. This can last for years, so it's essential to be aware of the potential for the infection to go untreated. If syphilis is left untreated for an extended period, it can lead to severe complications such as organ damage, neurological problems, and even death.

Taking care of your sexual health is crucial. Getting checked for STIs yearly is essential, especially for syphilis and HIV. The good news is that if you detect syphilis early, it can be treated with antibiotics. Don't let the cost or difficulty of getting checked stop you from prioritizing your health. You deserve to feel safe and healthy in all aspects of your life.

If you require consultation concerning syphilis, Mobi Doctor offers a convenient solution. With the ability to book online consultations, you can receive expert advice from healthcare professionals right from the comfort of your own space.