Dear Twice Bitten,
Two times in one year... I can see how you might be a bit upset. It may not make you feel any better but you're not the only one to be so unlucky. As you've discovered, syphilis has been making a come back among gay and bisexual men. In 1996, there were no cases of "locally acquired" syphilis in Denver County. But in 1997, this changed and for the last couple years, we've seen over 60 cases of syphilis each year. The majority of these cases have been among gay and bisexual men. Of these, 70% also have HIV. This worries me. Syphilis, like most other STDs, makes it easier for HIV to spread. Unlike syphilis, HIV can?t be cured with a shot of penicillin.

Rates of syphilis among gay and bisexual men have been increasing in major cities of the United States, Canada, Europe, and even Australia. And since syphilis hasn't been around for a while, it's no surprise that many gay and bisexual men lack basic knowledge about this STD. To make matters worse, the symptoms of syphilis often go unnoticed or show up in places on your body that are difficult to see... unless you're a contortionist.

Most cases of syphilis in Denver have been linked with places guys use when they want to find a partner for a quick hook up. So if you go to Denver's baths, sex clubs, parks, or hook up over the Internet, you greatly increase your chances of meeting a guy who has syphilis. This appears to be what happened to you, Twice Bitten.

You can always talk with your sex partners before you have sex with them about STDs. You might still get an STD but at least you'll be more informed about the risk you are taking. Using condoms for anal sex - and oral sex - will reduce your risk as well. Avoiding bath house sex is another option.

I've pulled together a Little Quiz and some info that I hope may help inform others. And, if you think that you might have syphilis, please go to your doctor or an STD clinic for a sex check-up. If you have any questions, call the HIV/STD Information Hotline 303-692-2777.

Wishing you good sex and good health,
the Dog-ter

How is syphilis spread?

• Direct contact with a syphilis sore on the genitals, penis, vagina, anus, or in the rectum.
• Direct contact with infected blood-- such as sharing used syringes.
• Transmission can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

How is syphilis diagnosed?

• Dark field microscopy can be used to examine material from infectious sores.
• An accurate, safe and inexpensive blood test.

Is there a cure for syphilis?

• Yes! A single high dose of injectable penicillin will cure most cases.
• Taking leftover antibiotics won?t cure syphilis.

Will syphilis recur?

• Having had syphilis does not protect you from getting it again.
• Follow-up syphilis testing is recommended.

How can I reduce my risk of getting syphilis?

• Talk with partners about HIV and STDs before you have sex.
• Using condoms for fucking and sucking.
• Get tested for STDs every 3 to 6 months.

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