Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that you can read about in history books, but it’s still a common STD. But how common is syphilis in Missouri? In Missouri, adult syphilis rates continue to be alarming.1 A recent Saint Louis County Public Health report says that syphilis rates have risen 92% since 2019.2 More cases of syphilis were reported in You can check out the current reported rates of syphilis on the Missouri Department of Health. The County of St. Louis City has some of the highest rates in the state 1 — which is a big deal for our ladies in the St. Louis area and across the river in Illinois. But there’s good news: early syphilis can be cured, often with one dose of penicillin.3
But a big problem is that many people don’t know that they have the infection like hepatitis or syphilis. Many STDs can stay in the body for many years without showing symptoms.3 But when you don’t get screened and treated, it can lead to devastating complications: things like neurological damage, organ failure, and even death.3 So yeah, it’s super important to get STDs treated. Your health and future are worth protecting. At ThriVe, we’re passionate empowering women to take charge of their health. That’s why we offer no-cost testing and treatment at our Metro East location.
Ladies — you’re valuable. You’re worthy. You can take charge and write your own story.
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are very common, but the effects of untreated infections can cause lasting issues. That’s why it’s so important to take control of your health with STI testing and getting the treatment that you need.
If you’re wondering, “How common is syphilis in Missouri?” because you’re not sure about your STD status, you’re not alone. Here in the Metro area, there are many resources to help us take care of our health, from the Health Department to labs and clinics. You can get no-cost STD screenings across the river ThriVe Metro East, and we can often even offer no-cost treatment if the results are positive. Testing is quick and easy, and our centers are safe, chic spaces for women to get straight info about their health. So give us a call when you want answers, and we’ll be here to support you.
For now, let’s talk about what syphilis is, symptoms to look out for, and what to do if you think you might have been exposed.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection. It spreads through sexual contact (vaginal, oral, and anal sex).3 Are you pregnant, or think you could be pregnant? Protecting your health is important while you’re pregnant, even if you’re considering abortion. A pre-abortion screening is an important step. You can get screened for syphilis (and other STIs), and get information about your health status so you can take control. A pre-abortion screening is really important so you can be informed and feel confident in your decision. We’re here to support you with medically-accurate information and no-cost services.
Back to syphilis! This infection progresses in four stages:
- Primary stage: A single, painless sore (called a chancre) appears where the infection entered the body. This can go unnoticed if it’s in a hidden area (like the vagina or anus). It heals on its own in a few weeks, but the infection in your body remains active.3
- Secondary stage: Symptoms like a rough, reddish-brown rash (often on the palms and soles), fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and you might notice some hair loss. Again, symptoms can clear up on their own, but the infection keeps progressing. So you should get checked out even if a rash goes away.3
- Latent stage: The infection goes into hiding — no symptoms, no signs. But still active in the body. It can stay in this phase for years. Don’t get blindsided, ladies. Get an STD test and get treated.3
- Tertiary (late) stage: If untreated, syphilis can severely damage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, and other organs. At this stage, it can be life-threatening.
There’s also something called congenital syphilis. Pregnant women with a syphilis case can pass the disease to the baby. Babies with syphilis can be born too early, die in the womb, or pass away shortly after birth.3
Why Early Testing & Treatment is Critical
How common is syphilis in Missouri? It’s a real risk for anyone who’s sexually active, unfortunately. Any person who has had sex could be at risk for an STD.3 STDs can cause uncomfortable symptoms, it’s more than just that. Infections like syphilis can be in your body for years without you knowing. That’s why testing is so important. When syphilis is treated early, it’s easy to cure. But an untreated infection can cause lasting damage.
A quick test and a simple round of antibiotics can stop infections like syphilis in their tracks. You don’t have to live in fear, and you shouldn’t. You’ve got goals and things to do. Don’t waste your own time worrying and stressing when you could just get a test and get answers. We’ll help you get you that peace of mind.
We believe that every woman deserves to know their STI status. That’s why we’re so passionate about providing no-cost STD testing, including for syphilis. If you test positive, ThriVe can often help with low/no-cost treatment options. You can get the care you need without the financial stress.
Getting Tested is a Self-Care Flex
Taking care of your health is the ultimate flex! Although it might not be glamorous to talk about, self care includes getting tested for STDs. Think about it — knowing your status means you’re confident and in control of your health. Whether your test comes back negative (yay, peace of mind!) or positive (time to get treatment and handle it like a boss), you’re making a great choice either way. Plus, getting tested includes screening for the most common STDs, so you get the full picture of your health. And if you’re pregnant, knowing this info can help you figure out what steps to take next.
And let’s be real — stress isn’t a good vibe. Worrying about your health can take a toll on your mental well-being. Getting an STD test means you can move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll know you’re either all clear or getting the treatment you need. Prioritizing your health isn’t just responsible — it’s empowering.
Myths & Facts About Syphilis
Myth: You can tell if someone has syphilis just by looking at them.
Fact: Nope. Many people with syphilis don’t have visible symptoms, especially in the latent stage. The only way to know for sure is through testing.2
Myth: If I had syphilis before and was treated, I can’t get it again.
Fact: Unfortunately, that’s false. You can be reinfected if you’re exposed again, even if you were successfully treated before.2
Myth: Syphilis only affects people who have lots of sexual partners.
Fact: Syphilis doesn’t discriminate. Anyone who is sexually active can get it, even if they’ve only had one partner.3
Myth: I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need to get tested.
Fact: Syphilis can hide in your body for years without causing symptoms. STD testing is a must for catching it early and preventing serious health problems.
Myth: Syphilis isn’t a big deal because it’s treatable.
Fact: Yes, it’s treatable — but it’s important to get treatment ASAP. Untreated syphilis can cause blindness, paralysis, mental illness, and even death. Don’t wait.
You’re in control here
If you’ve been sexually active, STD testing is SO important. ThriVe offers confidential, no-cost STD testing for common STDs, including syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. We’ll be there to support you if you need treatment. So many complications can be avoided just by getting screened early. Don’t wait until symptoms appear — get tested, get treated, and stay in control of your health.
Need to schedule a test? Contact ThriVe Metro East today and take the first step toward peace of mind.
Sources:
1 https://health.mo.gov/data/hivstdaids/dashboard-sti.php
2https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/public-health/health-data-and-statistics/communicable-disease-reports/sexually-transmitted-infections/annual-sti-report-2023/3https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/syphilis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351756
