Syphilis and gonorrhea are on the rise. Half a thousand new cases in a month

The data obtained from the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Surveillance of the NIZP PZH-PIB leave no doubts. Venereal diseases are rampant and spreading on an increasingly larger scale.

What is the incidence of syphilis and gonorrhea in Poland?

The PZH-PIB report shows that the number of syphilis cases has increased significantly. From the beginning of the year to the end of September, 2,308 cases were recorded, while in the same period last year there were 1,209. It is similar with gonorrhea cases. From January 1 to September 30 this year, there were 1,069 of them, and a year ago at the same time – 361. What is disturbing is that in just one month the number of patients diagnosed with syphilis increased by 270 and the number of people diagnosed with gonorrhea increased by 128. Considering that a significant number of people do not see a doctor due to shame, this phenomenon is very disturbing. Many patients do not realize that they are infected with venereal diseases.

What caused the rash of venereal disease cases?

Venereologists are observing a significant increase in the number of patients in their offices. Due to the fact that syphilis and gonorrhea infections most often occur during sexual intercourse, which are usually more common during the holidays, the plague of infected people increases in autumn.

Bow. Agnieszka Kuświk-Bartczak, a dermatologist and venereologist, explained in “Wprost” that the number of cases is also influenced by greater population migration and changes in social customs.

“Venereal disease cases may be the result of sex dating, frequent changes of sexual partners, and failure to use condoms. Recently, these reasons have been joined by chemsex, i.e. intercourse with a random person after consuming drugs. – said the expert.

Syphilis – what is this disease?

Syphilis is a disease caused by a bacterium called spirochete pallidus. The key diagnostic method is serological tests, i.e. blood tests. The treatment involves benzathine penicillin in the form of intramuscular injections. It may be asymptomatic or the symptoms may be very discreet and non-specific.

Symptoms of syphilis include:

• sore,

• fever,

• muscle aches,

• feeling of being broken,

• enlargement of nearby lymph nodes,

• spotted rash,

• itching,

• arthralgia,

• lack of appetite,

• stiff neck,

• decreased vision.

How does gonorrhea manifest itself?

Gonorrhea is caused by gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). The incubation period of the disease in men is from 2 to 7 days, and in women from 7 to 14 days. This disease is most often a local infection, around the urethra in men and the cervix in women. It may also affect the throat, conjunctival sac and anus.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in men:

• pain and burning during urination and erection,

• purulent discharge from the urethra,

• weakness,

• itching,

• ulcers,

• fever.

Symptoms of gonorrhea in women:

• purulent, brown discharge,

• spotting,

• discomfort when urinating,

• irregular periods,

• pain in the lower abdomen,

• ulcers (not only around the intimate parts, but also e.g. on the tongue),

• swelling,

• itch.

If a woman or man notices symptoms of venereal diseases, they should not self-medicate but consult a doctor. You should inform the partner with whom you had sexual contact about the disease.