The increasing rate of sexually transmitted infections globally has necessitated syphilis test Australia. More concern in this state is the bigger percentage of infections among women aged 15-44 years. According to reports from the medical health department, approximately 90% of the annual diagnosed cases are women. Keeping in mind that this is the child-bearing gender heightens the risk of infection among the babies and cases of miscarriage among pregnant mothers.
Here are three main concerns about this sexually transmitted infection.
Why the swollen infections?
Unlike in the past, people seem less worried about the HIV detrimental effects. So, a larger percentage is no longer practicing safe sex, increasing their risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. The HIV pandemic led to a considerable decrease in STIs as many people desisted from risky sexual behaviors.
With now proven medical ways that improve survival chances among HIV-infected persons, many individuals are more reluctant to observe less risky behaviors. People seem to forget that syphilis is transmitted through sexual practices the same ways HIV. Failure to practicing safe sex and having multiple sexual partners are the main reasons for the increased cases.
Why the need for testing?
With fewer prevalence cases in the past, the healthcare industry had discontinued syphilis testing. But the laxity among the bigger population has dictated the need to continue testing for syphilis. The medical care specialist encourages voluntarily testing even for those with no symptomatic conditions.
Syphilis is easily treatable if detected early. If every sexually active individual showed up for testing more regularly, it would help reduce the infection rate, bringing this disease under control. Medical specialists advocate for awareness among women, emphasizing that this gender should consider screening for syphilis during their STDs routine checks. Keeping the infections among women at the lowest will reduce the prevalence rate.
Why consider annual sexual health screening?
Healthcare professionals recommend STI screening to be incorporated in the pre-conception check-up. This test is considered more effective if performed during the first pregnancy visit. Expectant mothers in the risk group should be scheduled for a repeat test later on. Since a syphilis-infected person can stay for years without any symptoms, annual screening is essential even after child-bearing years.
Conclusion
That said, there is a need to sensitize more women who voluntarily show up for the screening. Moreover, syphilis test Australia should go beyond the women’s reproductive years. Incorporating it as part of annual health check-ups among all women is perceived as one way to reduce the rate of syphilis infection in the general population.