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Thank you @ltnsyph for the lovely tote! Will take it on my next socially distanced trip to the shops 
#syphilis is on the rise. Below - what we know about diagnoses in England
#syphilis is on the rise. Below - what we know about diagnoses in England
The number of syphilis diagnoses has rapidly increased over the past decade and is now at levels not seen since WW2
Diagnoses increased by 10% between 2018 - 2019. In men, there has been a rise of 140% between 2013 - 2019. Diagnoses in women is much lower (684 in 2019).
Diagnoses have increased across all sexual orientations. B/w 2018-19 the % increase has been greatest in hetero women (33%) followed by hetero men (21%) and least in men who have sex with men (MSM, 3%). But, the majority of diagnoses in 2019 were made among MSM (74%).
Syphilis is diagnosed in people of all ages although, rates are on average 17 times higher among men compared to women of the same age. Diagnoses are more evenly distributed across different ages compared to STIs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea.
You can reduce your risk of acquiring syphilis by using a condom during sex. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. Testing and treatment for syphilis (and other STIs including HIV) is free, confidential and simple and services remain open during the C19 pandemic.
