Public health officials in Swansea Bay are urging sexually active residents to get tested for syphilis following persistently high transmission rates across the region, according to the Swansea Bay University Health Board. While diagnoses have reached their highest level across the UK since 1948 according to senior public health practitioner Sarah Johnson, local nurses continue to see steady patient volumes spanning ages 17 to over 70, including pregnant women.
Why Early Syphilis Testing Matters in Swansea Bay
Advanced nurse practitioner Carly Porter emphasizes that anyone who is sexually active can contract the bacterial infection, which is fully curable with antibiotics. Many individuals experience no symptoms at all, allowing the infection to spread undetected. According to the health board, providing regular access to free and confidential testing remains the most effective way to lower transmission rates alongside general prevention work.
“As far as I am concerned, the sooner you test, the sooner you are diagnosed and the sooner you are treated,” said Porter. Health officials advise that even individuals without symptoms should get tested if they have concerns, as early detection helps medical staff identify cases quickly and start treatment.
Pro Tip: The Value of Negative Test Results
Taking a test now and receiving a negative outcome serves as a useful point of reference; should a subsequent test return positive, we gain a clearer timeline regarding the duration of the infection.
Understanding Syphilis Symptoms and Oral Transmission Risks
Porter believes many people are not aware syphilis can be contracted via oral sex alone.
Early symptoms of the infection often include:
- Outbreaks appearing on your palms, the soles of your feet, your stomach, or your chest.
- Genital regions may develop small, painless sores, though these can also appear elsewhere on the body.
- You may also experience swollen lymph nodes.
“Education is important, as is destigmatising syphilis,” said Porter. While using condoms is a brilliant start, health professionals stress that testing remains vital regardless of symptom presentation.
Risks to Pregnant Women and Wider UK Trends
Over the past ten years, syphilis rates throughout Wales have seen a consistent upward trend, as noted by senior public health practitioner Sarah Johnson. Although Swansea Bay has observed a slight drop in cases over the past two years, local medical staff continue treating pregnant patients.
Transmission from an infected mother to her baby—referred to as congenital syphilis—elevates the danger of miscarriage, premature delivery, and stillbirth.
Did You Know?
Across the UK, diagnoses have reached their highest level since 1948.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can syphilis be cured?
Yes. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics.
Can you get syphilis from oral sex?
Yes. Porter believes many people are not aware syphilis can be contracted via oral sex alone.
What are the first signs of syphilis?
Initial signs can involve a rash on your stomach, chest, the palms of your hands, or the soles of your feet, alongside painless sores that typically develop in the genital region but may also appear on other parts of the body, plus possible swelling in your lymph nodes.
Why should pregnant women be screened?
Expectant mothers are provided routine syphilis screenings to ensure the condition is identified and treated prior to the development of any severe health complications, given that the infection can be transmitted to an infant as congenital syphilis and elevate the likelihood of stillbirth, premature birth, and miscarriage.
Take Control of Your Sexual Health
If you are concerned, get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms. This helps us to identify cases, start treatment and reduce the spread.
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