Raising awareness across Coventry and Warwickshire
BHA For Equality is proud to launch the #GetTestedGetTreated campaign in Coventry and Warwickshire, responding to a concerning rise in syphilis diagnoses both locally and nationally. We are working with public health teams and community members to promote testing, safer sex practices and access to care, especially amongst groups most affected.
Why this campaign?
Syphilis is a preventable and treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) and if left untreated, can cause serious long-term health problems. Across England, syphilis diagnoses rose by 9.4% in 2023, reaching the highest levels since 1948.
- In Coventry, the diagnosis rate rose by 43% between 2021 and 2023.
- In Warwickshire, rates have remained stable but there are higher diagnosis rates in some parts of the county.
What are the aims of this campaign?
- Increase awareness of syphilis and its symptoms
- Encourage safer sexual behaviour
- Promote access to testing and treatment services
- Highlight the importance of antenatal screening for pregnant people
- Support professionals in signposting and education
This campaign is run by BHA for Equality in collaboration with Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and the Coventry and Warwickshire Sexual Health Hubs.
Targeted support
Syphilis rates are higher in some communities. For this reason we are especially focused on encouraging testing for young adults (under 34) and Gay, Bisexual and other men who have sex with men.
Syphilis and pregnancy
Syphilis poses extra risks to pregnant people and their unborn babies. If you have syphilis while pregnant there is a chance it can be passed on to your unborn baby. It can also increase your chances of having a miscarriage, premature birth or stillbirth. This is why it’s so important to get tested when offered at your antenatal appointments. This campaign will work to increase awareness of the risks of syphilis amongst pregnant people or those planning to get pregnant.
Leading on this project is: Agatha Devlin
You can contact Agatha at: agatha@thebha.in-beta6.co.uk
Know the symptoms of syphilis
Many people with syphilis do not notice symptoms until their health worsens significantly. That’s why testing is so important.
Common symptoms include:
Stages of syphilis
Syphilis develops in three main stages with symptoms varying and disappearing between stages. If left untreated, syphilis will not go away. It can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, brain and nervous system.
- Small, painless sores on the anus, genitals, mouth or lips
- White or grey warty growths around the genitals or anus
- Rash on palms of hand or soles of feet
- White patches in the mouth
- Flu-like symptoms such as headaches, fever and tiredness
- Swollen glands
- Patchy hair loss
Stage One: Primary Syphilis
- A painless ulcer (sore) may appear on the genitals, anus, mouth or lips
- This usually shows up 10 days to 3 months after infection and heals on its own within 2 to 6 weeks
- If left untreated, the injection moves to the next stage
Stage Two: Secondary Syphilis
- A non-itchy skin rash anywhere on the body (often on hands and feet)
- Other symptoms may include tiredness, headaches and swollen glands
- These signs may go away, but the infection stays in the body
Latent Stage
- No symptoms but syphilis is still present
- This stage can last for years without signs, but damage can still occur in the body
Stage Three: Tertiary Syphilis
- If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious and life-threatening complications including stroke, dementia, paralysis, blindness, deafness and heart disease
When should I get tested?
You should get tested if:
- You or your partner have symptoms
- A sexual partner has been diagnosed with syphilis or another STI
- You’ve had sex without a condom with a new or casual partner
- You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You’ve injected drugs with shared equipment
How can I get tested?
Testing is free and confidential. Local sexual health services offer in-person and online testing.
Sexual Health Hubs:
- Coventry: West Orchards Shopping Centre, CV1 1QX
- Rugby: Swan Centre, Chapel Street, CV21 3EB
- Leamington Spa: 32 Bath Street, CV31 3AE
- Nuneaton: Bond House, Newdegate Street, CV11 4EU
You can book an appointment at any of the Sexual Health Hubs by calling 0300 247 0069 or you can check when the next walk-in slot will be: Coventry and Warwickshire Sexual Health Hubs
If you are 16+ you can order an online testing kit to be discreetly delivered straight to your doorstep: STI Testing | Sexual Health Hub
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics, usually through injections, tablets or capsules. Early testing and treatment prevent serious health problems and stops the spread to others.
Prevention tips
- Always use condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex
- Get regular sexual health check-ups, especially if you have multiple or new partners
- Complete the full course of treatment for any diagnosed STIs
- Encourage partners to get tested and treated too
You can get free condoms at any of the Coventry and Warwickshire Sexual Health Hubs. You can also order them online from the Sexual Health Hubs: Order Condoms Coventry and Warwickshire or LGBT Foundation Free Condoms and Lube at your doorstep! – LGBT Foundation
How can I get involved?
Help us spread the word by using the hashtag #GetTestedGetTreated on social media.
Whether you’re an individual, community group, health worker or organisation, your voice can make a difference.
Together, we can stop the spread of Syphilis.
More Information
- Syphilis – NHS
- Sexual Health in Coventry And Warwickshire | Sexual Health Hub
- Syphilis: get tested, get treated – UK Health Security Agency
To find out more about our work in the area go to Coventry and Warwickshire – BHA for Equality