Education and Prevention

This article provides an in-depth, reader-friendly overview of primary syphilis, focusing on the characteristic yet frequently overlooked manifestation of the disease—the painless chancre. Through narrative examples and symptom comparisons, it explains how the absence of pain or dramatic signs enables early syphilis to spread unnoticed during sexual contact.

This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on using at-home syphilis rapid test kits, emphasizing both technical instructions and emotional support for users. It begins by acknowledging the anxiety and fear often associated with discovering potential syphilis symptoms, highlighting the “Great Imitator” nature of the infection. The article details the contents of a typical test kit, explains proper preparation and hygiene, and walks readers through the process of collecting a finger-prick blood sample, adding buffer solution, and interpreting results accurately.

This study describes the development and implementation of a comprehensive HIV co-testing initiative across Intermountain Health’s urgent care clinics and emergency departments. The program was designed to standardize HIV screening for patients undergoing evaluation for sexually transmitted infections, addressing historically low HIV testing rates in Utah. Key components included clinician and patient education, electronic health record alerts prompting HIV test orders when appropriate, and a structured link-to-care system to ensure rapid follow-up for newly diagnosed individuals.

This educational video focuses on syphilis as an emerging threat to the health of birthing people and their infants. It provides guidance for prenatal nurses on understanding syphilis, interpreting diagnostic tests, educating patients, and implementing treatment strategies. The video emphasizes the importance of early detection, effective treatment with penicillin, partner testing, and follow-up testing to prevent serious complications such as stillbirth, congenital infection, and long-term developmental issues in newborns.

This fact sheet reports over 52,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, including a rise in congenital syphilis and significant racial disparities. It emphasizes routine testing, condom use, and partner communication to prevent and treat STIs statewide.