Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can cause serious health problems if not treated. This type of STI is spread through contact with a sore on the skin or through sexual contact. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Symptoms of syphilis can include sores on the genitals, anus, or mouth, rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were over 17,000 cases of syphilis reported in the United States in 2017. This is a 22% increase from the previous year. Syphilis is most commonly found in men who have sex with men, but it can also affect heterosexuals and pregnant women. The highest rate of syphilis is in the South, followed by the Midwest and then the Northeast. Seattle, Washington has the highest rate of syphilis in the country.
Can syphilis be cured? Get to know the facts as you read this post.
Stages, Signs, And Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of syphilis can vary depending on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, syphilis may cause a small, painless sore called a chancre to develop on the genitals, anus, or mouth. This sore is where the bacteria that causes syphilis enters the body. The sore may go away on its own, but it is important to see a doctor to get tested and treated if you think you may have been infected.
Other early symptoms of syphilis can include fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. If left untreated, syphilis can progress to later stages which can cause serious health problems such as heart disease, blindness, or nervous system problems.
Symptoms of syphilis can appear 10 to 90 days after the initial infection, so it is sometimes not possible for doctors to know how long someone has been infected with syphilis by looking at their symptoms. A blood test may be done to determine if you have syphilis.
The latent or hidden stage of syphilis is a period of time when the person is infected with the disease but does not have any symptoms. The latent stage can last for years, and people who are in this stage are not able to transmit the disease to others. However, people who are in the latent stage of syphilis are still at risk for developing serious health problems if they do not receive treatment.
Recommended Antibiotics And Treatments
There are a few different methods of treating syphilis, which also depend on the stage of the infection. Early-stage syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, while late-stage syphilis may require surgery or radiation therapy. The most common antibiotic used to treat syphilis is penicillin. However, there are some cases where it is not effective, and another antibiotic, doxycycline, may be used.
In rare cases where both antibiotics are ineffective, patients may require surgery or radiation therapy. Some patients may also need to take medication for a longer period of time to reduce the risk of relapse.
In the US, there are around 90 cases of syphilis every day. Fortunately, it is rarely fatal. However, it can lead to neurological problems and hearing loss. This is a result of untreated syphilis affecting the nervous system and brain. Syphilis can also be passed on to a baby before or during birth, causing complications. If left untreated, it may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth.
The Possibility Of A Relapse
Relapses of secondary syphilis can be a frustrating experience for both the patient and their doctor. While it is rare, relapse can occur up to two years after the initial infection. There are a few things that can increase the risk of relapse, including stress, fatigue, and poor diet.
If a patient experiences a relapse, it is important to get them back into treatment as soon as possible. This will help to reduce the risk of further complications and ensure that the infection does not spread. In some cases, a patient may need to be hospitalized for treatment.
Conclusion
If you think you may have been exposed to syphilis or another STI, it is important to get tested. Many STIs do not come with any obvious symptoms, which can make diagnosing them difficult. The only way to know for sure is by getting tested with a physician or STD treatment online through a certified healthcare provider like CureDose.