3. Plenty of Syph

I was a bit shocked and confused when I came across the website plentyofsyph.com, a parody dating website. The website, which launched June 6^th of this year, is part of the Alberta government’s campaign to target the rising rates of syphilis in the province.

Upon researching into the website, I realized it is surrounded by a great deal of controversy with respect to its stigmatization of people with sexually transmitted infections (STI). Since the 1990s, the rates of syphilis in Alberta have been steadily increasing with more than 200 confirmed cases in 2008 alone (http://lookwhatsback.com/). I credit the campaign which has tapped into the interests of its target audience by using social media. The website’s satirical nature aims to inform people about prevention methods, symptoms and treatments while keeping a balance of humour and general information about the STI on the site. The advertisement for the website reads: “Welcome to PlentyofSyph.com. In moments, you’ll be connected to plenty of profiles, greetings and genital sores from hot local singles infected with syphilis.” As true dating websites do, PlentyofSyph features a “profiles” section as well as fake advertisements with “PerSYPHality” quizzes and informational videos claiming “try Syphilis free.” However, actual dating websites like PlentyofFish.com, the site that influenced the campaigns name, are worried that site goers will draw a connection between the two sites (http://www.notable.ca/yp-life/Alberta-Governments-Plenty-of-Syph/). Nevertheless, the Alberta government is claiming the campaign a success with the number of visits to STI clinics showing an increase of 17 percent in just six weeks. http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourcommunity/2011/08/do-unusual-ad-campaigns-succeed-in-educating-people-about-stds.html).

Although syphilis is an STI that is relatively easy to treat given adequate testing, treatment and education, Alberta remains at the forefront with the highest rate of syphilis among Canada’s provinces. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is often referred to as “the great imitator” because the signs and symptoms often mimic those of other diseases. Women aged 20 to 24 and men 35 to 39 are most at risk of contracting the STI. It is passed on through direct contact with a syphilis sore which are most commonly on the external genitals, vagina and anus or in the rectum but can be present on lips and in the mouth. Despite what many believe, it is transmitted during vaginal, anal AND oral sex (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010).

Deborah L. Tolman’s 2002 book Dilemmas of Desire, like many others, addresses the issue of the prude/slut label that confronts young girls. She says “though the possibility of being thought a prude may be uncomfortable for some girls, the threat of being branded a slut still looms large for teenage girls and unmarried women” (pg 11-12). She continues to report that even women and girls who reject these labels are still subject to them by asking boys to use a condom, by using the pill or by carrying condoms themselves. However, people do not understand that anyone can get syphilis and if left untreated it can lead to long term health problems such as deafness, mental illness, blindness, heart disease and even death. It can also increase your risk of becoming infected with HIV and other STIs. It is up to you to get tested regularly for STIs to ensure the safety of yourself and others and an overall healthy sexual experience.

For more information on syphilis and other STIs visit: www.plentyofsyph.com or http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/default.htm