V.D. in Gay Cleveland
During the past year or so there has been a dramatic increase in the number of reported cases of Syphilis and Gonorrhea in Northeast Ohio. Last year Cleveland had 8,222 reported cases of Gonorrhea and 232 cases of Infectious Syphilis reported. It is important to note that we are speaking about the the number of REPORTED cases and that we really don't know how many of these infections go unreported by private providers.
Syphilis is sometimes difficult to recognize because the initial symptoms and signs may go unnoticed or not much is thought of them because they usually don't cause any great discomfort and usually disappear within a span of a few weeks. The first thing to look for in a Syphilis infection is a painless sore on the site of sexual contact (i.e. the penis, rectum, or mouth). It may be very difficult to detect one of these "chancres" if it is on the inside of the mouth or rectum. The sore will usually last from one to five weeks and then disappear with no apparent consequence. The disease then goes into a latent stage, (i.e., there are no outward signs or symptoms that might alert a person to get medical care). This period of latency is usually 0-10 weeks in duration. The next or secondary stage of Syphilis may manifest itself in one or more of several different ways, a generalized body rash and/or hair loss, or mucous patches. A rash may be all over the body or more localized, say on the hands or feet, or maybe on just the chest and back. Mucous patches inside the cheeks of the mouth, or gums of the teeth may also appear. These may be the last symptom(s) one might have to prompt a visit to a doctor and that is what is so dangerous about Syphilis! Over the next few years the infection continues to survive in the body with no outward signs. Later on, the Syphilis organisms can attact the major organs and central nervous system causing permanent damage including crippling, insanity, and death.
It must be remembered that the first signs of Syphilis may go unnoticed or simply shrugged off as something else. It is extremely important to see a doctor if any of the above symptoms are ever noticed. The doctor should perform various tests to help diagnose a Syphilis Infection. One of these tests is a simple blood test. If the blood test is reactive for Syphilis the physician will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, which CAN BE CURED! It is advisable that sexually active people with more than one partner or whose partner may be having sex with others to take advantage of a simple blood test every 3 months to determine whether or not one has been infected. Sometimes this is the only way to determine if there is Syphilis. Most of us have had blood tests at some point in our lives and know how quick and painless they are, especially when they can keep us from getting eaten up by this dreaded disease. If your are going to your doctor or the public health center for a blood test it is important to remember that you must request that the blood test be done for Syphilis. Of special interest to the Gay Community is the fact that STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) Screening is planned for the near future to be set up at various sites around the Cleveland area. Every effort should be made to take advantage of these tests.
Gonorrhea or "clap" is today the number one reported communicable disease in the entire USA. Its seriousness is sometimes underestimated if not misunderstood. The city of Cleveland alone had literally thousands of reported cases last year. Gonohrrea can be transmitted to any part of the body where there is a warm moist environment, i.e. the inside of the penis, mouth or rectum. The symptoms vary according to the part of the body involved. Contrary to popular belief it is indeed possible to have a Gonorrhea infection with NO SYMPTOMS. About 30% of males with Gonorrhea in the penis have no symptoms. About 70% on the other hand may have a pus-like discharge
is on the RISE!
and/or a burning/tingling sensation on urination. Gonorrhea in the throat or rectum may not present any symptoms. It is a good idea again to get a check-up every few months if you are sexually active and have a "culture" test done for Gonorrhea. It is important to tell the doctor to check throat, rectum, and penis (whichever applies to your case). It is not always true that the medicine given for an infection in the penis will cure an infection in the throat or rectum. Be SURE you tell the doctor exactly where to test for Gonorrhea! Again it is planned that tests sites will be set up at different locations soon and hoped that the community will take advantage of the tests. A very thin swab is inserted a short way into the penis (Don't worry it doesn't hurt!), rectum, and or throat to absorb a little mucous where the germ lives. The swab is then rubbed on a special substance in a small container and sent to a lab for analysis. These cultures are read after 24 or 48 hours. The reading consists of several specialized
tests done from the culture to determine if Gonorrhea is present. If so, you will be advised to get to a doctor for some medication.
Untreated Gonorrhea can have some very serious consequences. If the bacteria enters the blood stream it is carried all over the body to the heart, brain tissue, and the joints causing heart disease, meninggitis, blindness and arthritis. It can also cause sterility both in males and females, and other serious complications of the reproductive system. Again the tests which determine a Gonorrhea infection are quick, painless, and the ONLY WAY to tell if there is a Gonorrhea infection present.
REMEMBER, the need for regular screening is IMPORTANT because the early warning signs of Syphilis and Gonorrhea may go unnoticed. Both diseases can cause very serious complications. The bottom line is..... if you're sexually active get periodic tests for both diseases, at least EVERY 3 MONTHS!!
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