Well, that’s what some people, including the group that sponsors the somewhat potentially controversial ads on the sides of buses and other places in the metropolitan San Francisco are, which encourages men (targeting particularly high risk men), to get tested for various STD’s, including syphilis.  The ads are showing a positive outcome, with men seeing the ad becoming more likely to remember the importance of getting tested for this STD and being aware of its importance. 

The ads are mostly shown at bus stops and on the sides of public transportation buildings and vehicles, and feature a cartoon “character” that looks like a man’s penis.  The intention is to use a little humor to get men to get tested, and it does seem to be doing the trick, although some areas or companies are refusing to display it since it is deemed “racy” or something. 

The ads have actually been running in San Francisco since 2002 and are sponsored by the health department in that area as a means to help reduce infection of high risk male groups to the disease, and it has actually helped in the decline of reported syphilis cases, and I believe also other infectious sexually transmitted diseases, so it’s doing its job to say the least.

I think it’s funny actually, and whatever works, works to curb the spread of syphilis and other STD’s that can be life threatening.  I mean, what else is going to attract attention like that of an animated penis character?  It’s practically ingenius!