3. Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease with a notorious history. Caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, it can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with syphilis sores, which can appear on the external genitals and the mouth, as well as in the vagina or rectum. Because these sores can appear on areas not covered by a condom, condoms only reduce the likelihood of transmission, but not eliminate it entirely. The small painless sores (chancres) of early syphilis may heal by themselves, but that doesn’t mean the disease is gone — it’s just become more difficult to detect and treat.
The Black Fact: Syphilis cases among black men 15 to 24 years of age continue to increase significantly. Over the last five years, Syphilis cases increased more than 150 percent among young black men.
