Sexually transmitted diseases, also called STDs are infections that spread through sexual contact during vaginal, oral, or anal form. Among many STDs that can enter a human body via fluids, and close contact with the genitals of the infected person, one such sexually transmitted disease is syphilis. A chronic bacterial infection transmitted through any form of sexual contact with the person carrying the infection and caused by bacteria known as Treponema Pallidum, syphilis often starts as a painless sore, and at the outset has minimal to zero symptoms. After about a few weeks, as the infection progresses and begins to affect other organs of the body, the ailment can be diagnosed. It is one of the most challenging diseases to detect but is highly curable if identified on time and if the treatment is started at the earliest. In extreme cases, syphilis can be transmitted through blood transfusions as well.

Also Read: Female Hygiene: 10 Simple And Effective Ways To Maintain Vaginal Health
Syphilis

Shop From Our Wide Range Of Sexual Health And Wellness Products

Following are the stages of syphilis:

  • Primary syphilis
  • Secondary syphilis
  • Latent syphilis
  • Late syphilis
  • Neurosyphilis (rare stage)

Symptoms Of Various Stages Of Syphilis

  • While many myths surround the infection, the fact is that this ailment is transmitted only through direct contact with infected lesions also called syphilitic sores. These sores develop in the penis, and vagina in about three few weeks. In some cases, they may come and go intermittently
  • Symptoms of primary and secondary are almost similar; the most common ones are sores on the penis, vagina, around the anus, mouth, or lips. Sometimes there can be warts instead of ulcers. Painless rashes around palms and soles and white patches in the mouth, accompanied by fever and headaches can also be present
  • Someone infected with latent syphilis will not have any visible symptoms. While syphilis can stay latent for an entire period of life, there are chances that it may transition to late syphilis at a certain point in time
  • This stage occurs when latent syphilis progresses to late syphilis or tertiary syphilis, anytime from the initial stages up to thirty years. Latent syphilis can cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels as well as the nervous system. Even someone who has not had any symptoms during primary or secondary syphilis can later progress to late syphilis, hence it has got the name
  • Syphilis that has spread to the brain as well as to the nervous system is called neurosyphilis. People with neurosyphilis can have seizures, dementia, damage to the spinal cord, eye issues causing blindness, and a disorder called syphilitic meningitis

Diagnose And Treatment

Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose and may not show any symptoms for many years. Understanding the symptoms and cause of this infection can help in the prevention of transmission. The earlier this problem is discovered, the better are chances of it getting cured. Infants can contract syphilis if their mother has an untreated infection (known as congenital syphilis). It can be diagnosed before the delivery. A self-test kit is helpful to diagnose syphilis infection during pregnancy. After using the kit, it needs to be sent to a designated laboratory for testing and results. Treatment for syphilis at all stages is done through an antibiotic called penicillin. The time of treatment varies and depends on the stage of the ailment patient is in.

Also Read: RPR Test: Why Is It Done, Importance Of This Screening, And What To Expect?

Complication Of Syphilis

Syphilis can cause serious and life-threatening problems, though some of them may not appear for years after being infected with syphilis. Here are some grave ones:

  • Heart problems like aortic aneurysms and heart failure
  • Seizures, memory loss, and dementia
  • Nerve issues, joint aches, and damage to the bone joints
  • Liver, skin, and bone anomalies

Prevention

The only way to prevent syphilis is by practicing safe sex. Using contraceptives and dental dams can prevent the severest of STDs. Avoid any kind of sexual contact while you are on treatment. Latex condoms can reduce the risk of contracting syphilis; however, they should cover the syphilis sores. A high level of personal hygiene should be always maintained, and anyone sexually active needs to get tested for all the STDs and STIs every year.