Durham M2M Syphilis Rates are Among the Highest in Ontario
By Mark Hammann – M2M Outreach Worker
AIDS Committee of Durham Region
In June Ontario’s GMSH (Gay Men’s Sexual Health Alliance) meeting featured a presentation from the Ministry of Health and Long-term Care on the substantial increases in syphilis infections among M2M. Between 2008 and 2010 84% of new infections have been among M2M in Ontario. As you can see by the Ministry of Health chart below Durham region ranked among the top six regions with reported syphilis cases in the province.
In order to protect ourselves and each other we all need to know more about syphilis and how to prevent its spread, so I am sharing the following information to help. This information comes from the “Attack of the Cursed Syphilis Campaign” produced by the AIDS Committee of Toronto last year.
What Is Syphilis?
It’s a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria that attacks the body in three stages. You may have syphilis and not know it. Some people develop visible symptoms of the syphilis infection, but others don’t.
Stage One:
The first signs of syphilis surface anywhere from 10 to 90 days after exposure. You may notice painless sores on your penis, near your anus, or in your throat. Trans guys may notice painless sores in your frontal genital area. The sores will go away after 3 to 6 weeks. The syphilis, however won’t.
Stage Two:
4 to 10 weeks after the sores, you may notice a red rash on your chest, palms, genitals, or the soles of your feet. Muscle and joint pain, fever and patchy hair loss are also common in stage two. These symptoms can go away without treatment, but again, the syphilis won’t.
Stage Three:
The sores and rashes will be gone but the syphilis will live on. Over time the bacteria will attack your body causing serious damage to your brain, heart, eyes and bones. This process occurs over a 10 to 30 year period.
HIV and Syphilis
If you’ve got HIV, syphilis can hit you harder and faster, and may also be more difficult to treat. If you’ve got syphilis, you’re more likely to get HIV or pass it on to someone if you have unsafe sex.
How It’s Spread
Syphilis is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact including unprotected anal, oral, and for some trans guys frontal genital sex. You can also get syphilis by sharing drug equipment. Trans guys should take note that sharing needles to inject hormones is also considered a high risk activity.
Getting Tested
A simple blood test can tell you if you’ve got it.
Can It Be Cured?
If it’s caught early, syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Get Treated!
How To Protect Yourself
Always use condoms when having sex. They’re not foolproof, but they’re better than nothing. Using a condom when you have oral sex can also provide protection. For sex with trans guys, dental dams or cutting a condom up the side can be used as barriers. Don’t share drug paraphernalia. Get tested for syphilis on a regular basis. Even if you’ve had syphilis before, you can get it again.
Telling Someone They May Have Syphilis
If you think you’ve passed syphilis onto someone but don’t know how to break the news to them, contact your local public health department. They’ll get in touch with the person for you, but won’t disclose your identity. You can also send them an anonymous e-card by visiting inspot.org.
Where To Get Tested
Your family doctor, the sexual health clinics in Durham or contact the AIDS and Sexual Health Info-line 1-800-668-2437. French: 1-800-267-7432.
Where To Get FREE Condoms and Info
AIDS Committee of Durham Region – 22 King Street West Oshawa 2nd Floor (above Coffee Culture) Phone: 905-576-1445 or at one of our safer sex distribution sites. For a list of sites visit: http://www.m2minfocentre.com/where-to-find-safer-sex-kits.php
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