What is a syphilis?
(All Gender Clinic) article author : Munjit NaSongkhla, M.D.
What is a syphilis?
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphillis can be transmitted through genital, oral, or anal sex and poses significant health risks if left untreated. Additionally, syphilis can be passed from a pregnant person to their fetus, resulting in congenital syphilis, which may lead to severe complications such as neurological damage, organ failure, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Many individuals with syphilis may not experience noticeable symptoms or only minor symptoms, making early diagnosis and treatment critical. Preventative measures, including the correct and consistent use of condoms and other safer sex practices, are key to reducing the risk of infection.
Symptoms of syphilis
There are four stages of syphilis (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary/late). Each stage has different signs and symptoms.
Primary Stage:
• Small sores (chancre) or blister on genitals (penis, vagina, anus) or mouth –painless and you may only have one of them.
• Swelling in your lymph glands (such as in the neck, groin or armpit) often happens with the ulcers.
Typically heals on its own within 3-6 weeks. If left untreated, syphilis will move into its second stage.
Secondary Stage:
• Rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that can sometimes spread all over your body – this is not usually itchy
• White or grey warty growths most commonly on your penis, vagina or around your anus
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Fever
• Myalgias
• Headache
• Anorexia
• Sore throat
• Weight loss
• Joint pain
The secondary syphilis generally resolves within a few weeks, even without treatment but the disease enters the latent stage.
Latent Stage:
The latent stage of syphilis has no symptoms, but the infection is still present. Without treatment, you can continue to have syphilis in your body for years.
Tertiary/Late Stage:
Tertiary syphilis is a late symptomatic disease that can manifest months, years, or even decades after the initial infection the symptoms will depend on what part of the body the infection spreads to. Example cardiovascular syphilis (aortic aneurysm, aortic valvopathy), neurosyphilis (meningitis, hemiplegia, stroke, aphasia, seizures, spinal neuroarthropathy) and it may cause organ damage and life threatening.
How is diagnosis of syphilis:
• Blood Test
Hospital Articles
