Syphilis is a sexually transmissible disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is a serious health problem that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. In this article, you will learn what syphilis is, how it is transmitted, what the symptoms are, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how to prevent it.
Syphilis… what now?
This article deals with the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of syphilis. It is not intended to be professional advice. We are not doctors, psychologists, social workers etc. and can only explain the terms and the context and refer to support services. For specialist treatment etc., please contact a help centre near you.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy or birth.
There are four stages of the disease: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary.
- In the primary stage, a sore appears on or near the genitals, anus or mouth
- In the secondary stage, a rash may appear on the body, accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and tiredness
- In the latent stage, there are no symptoms, but the bacteria remain in the body and can cause serious complications if left untreated
- In the tertiary stage, syphilis can cause damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints
How is it transmitted?
Logically, your sexual partner must have been infected with syphilis. The most common way of transmission is through vaginal, anal or oral sex. The risk of infection can be reduced by practising safer sex, i.e. using condoms during sex and avoiding sexual contact with infected persons. Therefore, it is important to know the manifestations of the stages and to keep a watchful eye on your sex partners. It is also important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted diseases so that you are not unknowingly infected yourself and infect others.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Due to the four different stages, the symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection.
In the primary stage, a sore, called a (hard) chancre, appears at or near the genitals, anus or mouth. The chancroid is usually painless and may go unnoticed. It can last from 3 to 6 weeks and heals on its own, even without treatment.
In the secondary stage, a rash on the body may appear, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and tiredness. The rash can appear on any part of the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It can be mild or severe and can come and go for up to two years.
The latent stage is particularly dangerous because the previous symptoms no longer appear, but the bacteria are still present in the body and can cause serious complications if left untreated.
In the tertiary stage, syphilis can attack the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints, causing severe damage. Symptoms can include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, deafness, blindness, dementia and organ failure.
Get tested!
Syphilis can be diagnosed by blood tests and physical examinations. The blood test detects the antibodies that the body produces in response to the infection. A physical examination may reveal chancre, rash or other symptoms of the infection.
That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infection, especially if you have symptoms, are sexually active and have multiple partners. If you suspect that you have syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
How is it treated?
The treatment against syphilis is usually carried out with antibiotics. Type and duration of treatment depends on the stage of the infection, and usually involves a single injection of penicillin for early-stage or several injections for late-stage syphilis.
The following are the general guidelines for the treatment of syphilis according to the stage of infection:
- Early-stage syphilis: This refers to syphilis that has been present for less than a year. At this stage, a single penicillin injection is usually sufficient to cure the infection. Other antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin can also be used if the patient is allergic to penicillin.
- Late-stage syphilis: This refers to syphilis that has been present for more than a year. Late syphilis can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the brain, heart and other organs. At this stage, several penicillin injections are required, usually over a period of several weeks.
It is important to know that syphilis, if not treated, can lead to serious health problems, including neurological and cardiovascular complications. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have the disease.
How do you protect yourself against syphilis?
Certain measures can be taken to prevent a sexually transmitted infection with syphilis. And to reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Here are some ways:
- Practise safer sex: It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, so it is important to practice safe sex. This includes using a condom during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
- Limit the number of sexual partners: The risk of contracting syphilis increases if you have more than one sexual partner. Limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce the risk.
- Get tested: It is important to get tested regularly for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Especially if you are sexually active. Early detection and treatment of syphilis can prevent serious health complications. If you have been diagnosed with syphilis (or another sexually transmitted infection). It is important that you seek treatment and complete the course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.
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