Sexually transmitted diseases can be scary and embarrassing. An intimate moment now feels public when you ask for medical testing and treatment. Please know there are laws and protocols in place to keep your medical history private and secure from public knowledge. Seek medical testing and treatment if you have or have experienced any of the following symptoms.
Medical professionals have seen it all and will be able to treat this infection with a single shot. The following information is not meant to diagnose or treat syphilis, only to spread knowledge on this common infection. If you have any questions, kindly seek out your medical professional.
What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is spread through direct contact with syphilitic sores or chancres. This infection, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues and even death. Worst cases include neurosyphilis, which includes severe headaches, muscle weakness, or trouble with muscle movements, and changes in the patient’s mental state. Such mental health changes can include trouble focusing, personality changes, and dementia.
Ocular syphilis consists of eye pain, eye redness, vision changes, and blindness. Otosyphilis affects the ears, and symptoms include tinnitus, like ringing, buzzing, or hissing noises. Dizziness, vertigo, or complete hearing loss can develop if the syphilis infection is left untreated. The infection can also have adverse effects on the heart, liver, nerves, bones, and joints.
Symptoms and Stages of Syphilis
Symptoms are based on four stages of the infection. The primary stage is the first stage, which consists of a single sore or multiple sores on or around your genitals, groin, and/or mouth. The sore location can be an indicator of how you contracted the infection since that’s where you came into contact with the infected partner. The sore is round, firm, and painless in most cases, and will heal itself within three to six weeks. If left untreated, symptoms will enter the second stage.
This secondary stage consists of rashes and/or sores in the groin, mouth, genitals, hands, and feet. The rash will look rough and have a reddish-brown color. In most cases, the rash will not itch or be so faint that it can go unnoticed. Other symptoms to watch for in the secondary stage are sore throat, fever, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes or glands. Without professional treatment, these symptoms will subside, but the infection will then move into the third stage.
The third stage of syphilis is called the latent stage. The latent stage can be the most dangerous because there are no symptoms. You may believe that the rash was just a rash, and the second stage was only flu or a cold. The third stage can last years, even decades in some cases, before the fourth and final stage of syphilis presents itself.
The fourth and final stage is called the tertiary stage. According to the CDC, a small percentage of people with untreated syphilis develop tertiary syphilis, and those who do can exhibit a multitude of serious symptoms. Brain damage and organ damage have been present in 30 to 40 percent of those in the fourth stage of syphilis. These symptoms can occur in a different order, but the infection can still result in premature death.
How the Bacteria Spreads
The syphilis bacteria can only be spread through direct contact with the open chancre or sore. While sexual intercourse is the most common way to spread the infection, it is not the only way. This STD is also able to transfer between mother and unborn child during pregnancy.
Congenital syphilis can affect the baby in a multitude of ways. The baby could be born underweight, premature, or stillborn. If the baby lives, s/he could face symptoms that last a lifetime. Blood tests are done during the first and last trimester to help ensure that the mother and baby are negative for any infections that could cause harm during delivery.
The disease cannot be spread on toilet seats, clothing, eating utensils, in pools, or any other bodies of water. Syphilis is a bacterial infection; it is not a virus and is treated with antibiotics like Penicillin. There are no vaccines for syphilis, so if you have had it before or been treated, you can catch it again through vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Condoms help prevent coming into direct contact with sores, but there’s no guarantee that you won’t catch it. If the sore is in an area of the genitals that is not covered by the condom, the bacteria is still transmittable.
Conclusion
Syphilis is an easily treatable infection with a single shot of Penicillin or other antibiotics. If left untreated, the symptoms start small, but with time, get worse. This disease can last a lifetime and can lead to early death. If you are sexually active, it’s vital to get regular blood screening, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
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