Syphilis is on the rise – how and why you should test.

posted by: Susan Mills

Syphilis is on the rise – how and why you should test.

A new report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows an increase in infectious syphilis cases in England, especially among heterosexual individuals.

While the number of diagnoses remains highest amongst gay, bisexual and men who have sex with men (GBMSM), the largest proportional rise between 2022 and 2023 was in heterosexual individuals with increases seen across the UK.

Syphilis is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including oral sex. Once infected, it can progress over weeks and even years. If left untreated, syphilis can cause severe long-term health problems.

Although syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics, it can be hard to diagnose and so if you’re having sex without condoms with new or casual partners, regular testing is advised to help reduce cases.

Free syphilis testing is available from Devon Sexual Health clinics, and online for under 25s via freetest.me

You can also find more information on syphilis here.

Appointments can be arranged for STI testing at our clinics by calling 0300 303 3989 or online via your Personal Health Record (PHR). You can register for a PHR here.