Not Great: Gonorrhea in Colorado is Down, but Syphilis is Way Up

Sobering news about sexually transmitted diseases in Colorado, as the state is looking for millions of dollars to combat syphilis. The term "better safe, than sorry," is very fitting when it comes to new data.

If you're dating life has been "quiet" over the last few years, you may want to consider yourself lucky. Serious complications from untreated syphilis can be painful and could even lead to death.

There's nothing that takes the "joy" out of sex more than an STD. Part of it is, of course, the medical side of an STD; the other part is the shame of it. New data is showing that while cases of gonorrhea are declining in Colorado, syphilis cases are up - a lot.

RELATED: Tuberculosis on the Rise in Colorado

How Much Have Cases of Syphilis Gone Up in Colorado?

According to the Denver Post and the CDC, between 2021 and 2022, the state saw a nearly 20% increase in syphilis cases (18%.) Colorado health officials are hoping to get an additional $8 million to help stop the spread.

What are the Primary Signs of syphilis?

According to the CDC, single or multiple sores will occur where the syphilis entered the body- in, on, or around:

• Penis.
• Anus.
• Vagina.
• Rectum.
• Lips/mouth.

If Untreated What Could Happen if You Have Syphilis?

If you don't get treatment during the primary stage of the STD, the CDC says that it will move into the latent stage (where there are no visible symptoms, but the disease is still within the body) and then onto the rare tertiary stage:

...it can affect many different organ systems. These include the heart and blood vessels, and the brain and nervous system. Tertiary syphilis is very serious and would occur 10–30 years after your infection began. In tertiary syphilis, the disease damages your internal organs and can result in death.

 

What is Colorado's Most-Common STD?

In late 2023, it was determined that Chlamydia is the most prevalent STD in the Centennial State.