While this overall trend is worrying experts, syphilis makes for an especially striking case study.
Chancres can appear on or around the genitals or mouth.
Also, in whats called congenital syphilis, a pregnant person can pass the infection to their fetus.
Ted + Chelsea Cavanaugh. Prop Styling by Amy Elise Wilson.
It can take years to make your way through all of these stages, according to theCDC.
Thats another reason why someone in the primary stage of syphilis may not realize anythings up with their health.
Next is the latent stage, where there are no signs of infection.
Its still possible to spread syphilis in this stage, Dr. Leone explains.
Symptoms will depend on which organs tertiary syphilis is attacking.
At this stage, syphilis can be fatal.
Syphilis carries other serious risks, too.
Then theres the worrisome potential toll of congenital syphilis.
That includes most of the increases experts have seen since 2000.
But the recent swell in syphilis rates has widened to include more heterosexual women, too.
The rate of congenital syphilis has shot up accordingly, increasing 153.3 percent between 2013 and 2017.
Why syphilis rates are rising
The factors involved here paint a complicated picture.
The reasoning behind the disparity isnt clear, and correlation doesnt necessarily equal causation anyway.
But it is an interesting fact to note.
However, CDC spokesperson Brian Katzowitz tells SELF that there is not yet a consensus on this connection.
Other factors we know very well, like a lack of health care resources and access.
Part of this is the fragmented nature of our health care system.
Then theres dire lack of funding.
Due to inflation, that equates to 40 percent less buying power today.
Its not just STI clinics though.
Spiking congenital syphilis rates indicate an overall failure to deliver goodprenatalcare, Dr. Leone says.
The CDC is also trying to increase awareness and action in the medical community.
This may be as often as every three to six months, according to theCDC.
Make this a routine part of [your] sexual health, Dr. Leone says.
Its something you should be doing for yourself and the community youre in.
That includes if you are pregnant.
As with so many other STIs, prompt detection and treatment are of the essence.
