Do you suffer from syphilis and wonder why you got it? Have you heard about the recent rise in this STI, and are concerned about what it reveals about our society? If you answered yes to either of these two questions, then I urge you to read on. 

The Rise in Syphilis and Sexual Problems in Our Society

Syphilis has been around for a long time, and it has been rising for several decades now. The 75% rise since the start of Covid has a lot to tell us about the state of sexual health in our country. While we have tremendous access to treatments and preventions for STIs, the lack of utilizing those does suggest that problems with sex addiction have only gotten worse since the Covid pandemic.

The Connection Between Syphilis and Sex Addiction

As much as freedom from sex addiction is connected to being protected from STIs, the long-term trend of syphilis cases in the US, especially the recent major increase in the last three years is a big sign of trouble. One of the key sexual health principles adapted from the WHO is all about protection from STIs, and parallel to the COVID-19 pandemic has been another epidemic of this particular STI (including or as well as some other STIs too). And while STI‘s themselves don’t necessarily mean more people are dealing with addictive or compulsive sexual behavior, it certainly does suggest that’s the case.

The Keys to Preventing Syphilis and Its Continued Spread

Communication is at the top of the list, as far as ways to prevent the spread of syphilis, particularly talking to partners to assess their degree of sexual health before engaging in sexual activities with them. Testing is also a priority, as some individuals may not know they are a carrier of STIs unless they are getting regularly tested. The other sexual health principle of honesty is a key to communication, and is critical for all sexual relationships. If we, as a country were to embrace even these three practices, we would see syphilis cases plummet (along with many other STIs as well).

Syphilis and the Mental Health Crisis

While Covid got top billing for three years, there have been other diseases that have been neglected or not talked about at all. While this blog post deals with syphilis and other STIs to a lesser extent, the mental health crisis that was triggered by Covid continues to march on. Along with ever increasing degrees of isolation have come an increase in addictions. While the biggest of these might be to alcohol, many other addictions have continued to become a side effect of the effects of Covid.

What to Do If You Suffer From Syphilis or Other STIs

The first thing you need to do is to make sure you are getting treatment, despite the challenge due to shortages of the main treatment for syphilis. You may not be able to get effective medication for this STI right away, but being intent on getting it as soon as it is available is all important. It could be a big exercise in patience, but finding other ways to address symptom severity can become a primary focus. Also, strategizing about how to change your behavior going forward once you are treated is extremely important. Focusing on the keys I outlined above would be an excellent use of your time.

What If Your Syphilis is Possibly Due to Sex Addiction?

I’ve been treating men with compulsive or out-of-control sexual behaviors for about 10 years now, some of whom have STI’s like syphilis. What I can tell you is that it is primarily based in trauma, and if the trauma that underlies it is treated, then the hope for long-term recovery from sex addiction is possible. I use key trauma treatments EMDR and Image Transformation Therapy, or ImTT. Both of these have a good track record of alleviating trauma and its effects in people's lives. You owe it to yourself and those who love or depend on you to treat your afflictions so that you can live a life of fulfillment and purpose. I urge you to take action by contacting me if you live in Texas or Maryland, or someone else who is a qualified addiction and trauma expert to help to turn your ship around so you can chart a new course going forward that is filled with health and recovery.

Visit our page on sex addiction therapy to find out how Scott can help you to recover from syphilis acquired due to addiction.

About the author:  Scott Kampschaefer, LCSW is a private practice therapist in Frederick, Maryland.  He has an extensive background in working with depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder at a clinic for older adults with these disorders in Austin, Texas.  He now works with adults and adolescents 14 and up in private practice. His most recent book is titled The 5 Pillars of Addiction Recovery and is available for purchase on Amazon and in paperback on this website.