Syphilis Alert

Do you know that syphilis is rising in BC at an alarming rate? We have written about syphilis before on this blog, however the importance of this sexually transmitted infection warrants another blog entry. Recently, the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control reported that in the past 5 years, there has been a steady increase in the number of syphilis infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). In 2006, 46.5 percent of new syphilis infections in BC occurred in MSM of all ages. 64.5 percent of these MSM were HIV-positive individuals who are more likely to present with later stages of syphilis. Syphilis is detected by a blood test and is available at most clinics. MSM, both positive and negative, with an active sex life should get tested regularly. Have you had experience with syphilis and taken treatments for it?