Syphilis outbreak!

April 14, 2018

Syphilis is one of those old school sexually transmitted diseases you read about in dusty books about lusty sailors.

SO, WHY IS A DISEASE FROM THE OLDEN DAYS BACK?

Because, people are having unprotected sex and they are passing around the syphilis bacteria like memes about grumpy cat.

The Ministry of Health has just released a report highlighting that since 2012 the number of syphilis cases reported in 2017 has more than doubled since 2015. Check the article here.

The highest number of cases were reported in males aged 20-39 years, particularly those in the 25-29 age group in the Auckland and Wellington regions. Nearly 70% of the cases were reported in men who have sex with men (MSM) and nearly 21% of these cases were also HIV positive.

It’s not just the gays that get this nasty wee bug, heterosexuals aged from 20-39 are also passing it around to each other too. 

SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES SYPHILIS DO?

When you first contract Syphilis you develop painless and ugly looking ulcers/warts over your genitals and anus, and you also feel like you have the flu. Then after a few weeks the symptoms go away and the sneaky bacteria goes underground. This is when the major damage occurs to your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints. If left untreated this bacteria can eventually kill you and generally screw up your beautiful face, mind and body. Not cool.

SO WHAT THE F*CK DO I DO NOW?

It’s pretty simple.

1. USE PROTECTION, every time you have sex.
2. GET TESTED, every 3 - 6 months.
3. GET TREATED and talk to your partner/s about getting treatment.

Be kind to yourself and others, use protection and test often.

 

Update 20/07/2018:

We've just released the #Syphilis Test Box as an individual test to address the current epidemic in New Zealand. This gives easy, convenient access to a single test. Plus you can add cover for a consult with our health professionals and treatment. 

Did you know that many STI's don't have symptoms? If left untreated they can seriously damage your fertility, health and life.

If you’re unsure what to do or if you’re worried about an STI, we’re here to help with safe and easy tests you can do at home.

Don’t risk your health!

ORDER A TEST NOW

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