Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection progresses in stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, with symptoms worsening at each stage.
To diagnose syphilis, doctors typically conduct two blood tests. The first test checks for antibodies, which are proteins your body produces to fight infections like syphilis. If this test is positive, a second test is done to confirm the results.
The good news is that syphilis is curable and treatable with antibiotics like penicillin. If you’re allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics might be used. The duration of treatment depends on the stage of syphilis. Starting treatment as soon as symptoms appear or after exposure can improve health outcomes and lower the risk of complications.
Syphilis is sometimes called “The Great Pretender” because its symptoms can mimic other diseases. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial since they worsen over time and can affect various organs. If you notice potential symptoms, it’s important to contact a healthcare provider for testing.
The symptoms of syphilis vary based on its stage:
– Primary symptoms usually manifest within 10 to 90 days after exposure and can heal on their own without treatment.
– Secondary symptoms appear about two to eight weeks after primary sores heal. Without proper treatment, these can progress to the latent stage, where symptoms lie dormant for months or years, although a blood test can still detect the infection.
Thanks to increased screening and awareness, most people begin treatment before reaching the tertiary stage. However, untreated tertiary syphilis can damage organs and be life-threatening.
Syphilis is primarily spread through sexual contact but can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby, resulting in congenital syphilis. It’s rarely transmitted through blood transfusions or shared needles and cannot be contracted through casual contact with objects.
If you suspect an infection or have symptoms, it’s important to get tested. Syphilis tests search for antibodies in the blood. Two types of antibody blood tests are typically used: nontreponemal and treponemal. These tests cannot indicate the stage or severity of the infection.
– A nontreponemal test is a preliminary test that looks for general antibodies related to syphilis but can also respond to other conditions.
– If this test is positive, a more specific treponemal test follows to confirm the presence of syphilis-specific antibodies, indicating either an active infection or previous treatment.
In some cases, doctors may use a swab from a rash or sore for a PCR test to detect the bacteria directly, but this is only done when symptoms are active.
Early detection makes syphilis treatable and curable. Treatment’s main goals are to prevent complications and reduce symptoms, although it cannot reverse past damage. Typically, penicillin injections are used, and treatment length varies based on symptoms and stage.
If you can’t take penicillin, other antibiotics are available. After treatment, your healthcare provider will monitor your progress at 6, 12, and 24 months to ensure its success.
Untreated syphilis, especially in its early stages, can lead to serious health problems down the line. Tertiary syphilis can cause heart issues, severe skin rashes, and bone lesions. At any stage, syphilis can also increase the risk of acquiring HIV, as its sores make it easier for HIV to enter the body.
To prevent syphilis, abstaining from sex is most effective, though not always practical. Therefore, reducing risks through safe practices is important. Communicate openly with trusted healthcare providers about your sexual activity and risks. They can guide how often to screen for syphilis and other STIs.
Recovery depends on the stage and how the infection has affected your body. Primary and secondary syphilis can be fully cured with early diagnosis. Without treatment, up to a third of people may face health complications, and late-stage syphilis can result in permanent disability or death.
While undergoing treatment, follow medical advice and avoid sexual activity until sores or rashes completely heal. Having had syphilis before does not protect against future infections, as re-infection is possible, especially if sexual partners remain untreated.
If you’re concerned about repeated infections or want to learn more about STI prevention, discuss it openly with your healthcare provider and sexual partners to stay informed and safe.
