Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. It is transmitted through direct contact with an ulcer or sore that occurs most often on the external genitalia, vagina, anus or rectum. The STD can also occur on the lips and in the mouth. It is transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal intercourse and from mother to child during pregnancy. It is estimated that there were 7 million new cases of syphilis globally in 2020. Syphilis infection rates are higher in men (16.9 per 100,000 men) than they are in women (2.3 per 100,000 women). Many people can be asymptomatic for years but are at risk of developing serious health problems.
This STD is divided into four stages:
In the primary stage, a person infected with the std may notice single or multiple sores that are painless most of the time. They are usually characterized as round and solid, appearing in parts of the body where syphilis enters. These sores will typically heal in a time range of 3-6 weeks regardless of being treated, but this does not indicate that you do not have syphilis anymore. Treatment is necessary even when the sores go away.
The secondary stage occurs when the syphilis is not treated properly in the first stage. At this stage, individuals can notice a skin rash with or without a fever, swollen lymph glands, headaches, loss of weight sore throat, weakness, and muscle aches. As in the primary stage, these symptoms may resolve without treatment.
The latent stage of syphilis have been reported in patients who DO NOT get treated for the infection. This stage usually occurs 10 to 20 years after the initial infection. This is a dangerous period because the infection is still present but does not show any symptoms making it harder to notice.
The fourth stage or the tertiary stage is not common in most people. Although rare, it can damage various internal organs including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, bones, liver and joints. This would typically happen 10-30 years after an individual has been infected. What is most concerning at this stage is that it could eventually lead to paralysis, dementia and rarely even death. Moreover, curing syphilis once does not make a person immune to the infection, which is why adequate protection is needed.
Diagnosis
This STI can be detected through a blood test or by testing fluid from a syphilis sore.
Treatment
Syphilis is a curable infection which is why it is important to get tested on time in order for proper treatment to be imposed. The STI can be treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Unfortunately, if it is not treated on time, medical treatment cannot always reverse the damage caused by syphilis.
Pregnancy and syphilis
Pregnant women are particularly at risk if they do not treat syphilis as it can have a great impact on their pregnancy. An untreated infection can cause a miscarriage, stillbirth, or the baby’s death after birth. According to the CDC in about 40% of cases when women with syphilis give birth, the baby can be stillborn or die from the infection shortly after birth.
