Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection that can be spread through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Adequate treatment in its early stages can prevent complications and transmission to your sexual partners. In this article, we cover the different stages of syphilis, the ways it spreads, prevention measures, treatment options, and potential complications.
What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a kind of bacterial infection that can spread through sexual contact. It can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy. The condition can be cured with antibiotics and prevented by practicing safe sex.
Stages of Syphilis
Syphilis progresses through four unique stages, including:
Primary Syphilis
During this stage, a sore called a “chancre” will develop at the entry point of the bacteria. You may notice sores on the genitals, mouth, tongue, or breasts. However, chancres sometimes develop within the vagina or rectum, where they go unnoticed. A chancre can heal on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, but the bacteria will remain in your system.
Secondary Syphilis
The second stage of syphilis can begin weeks or months after the initial sores develop. During this period, the chancres may be replaced by a bumpy rash that comes and goes. Other symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches.
Latent Syphilis
This is the hidden stage of syphilis, where your symptoms may disappear. Despite not having any visible symptoms, the bacteria will still be present in your body. Latent syphilis can last for years and result in serious complications if left untreated.
Tertiary Syphilis
Tertiary syphilis is the final stage of the infection. Patients with tertiary syphilis may experience damage to the nerves, heart, brain, eyes, liver, bones, and joints. The damage caused by tertiary syphilis can lead to paralysis, memory loss, and blindness. In this stage, syphilis can be life-threatening and cause irreversible harm.
How Does Syphilis Spread?
Syphilis can spread easily without you even knowing. Here are the main ways it spreads:
Sexual Contact
Syphilis can spread through sexual activity, including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. The bacteria can enter your body through tiny cuts and take years to show symptoms. In most cases, it is spread unknowingly by an infected sexual partner. According to the CDC, syphilis cases have risen by 80%, which makes safe sex practices all the more important.
Direct Contact with Syphilis Sores
You can get syphilis without having intercourse. Touching or kissing an infected sore on the genitals, mouth, breasts, or tongue can result in infection.
Congenital Transmission
Syphilis can pass from infected mothers to their unborn babies through the placenta. It can also be transmitted during birth or through breastfeeding if the mother has sores on her breasts.
Non-Sexual Transmission
In most cases, syphilis spreads through sexual contact, but there are a few exceptions. For example, bacteria can be transmitted through shared needles during drug use. However, syphilis doesn’t spread through shared food, hugging, or toilet seats.
Prevention of Syphilis
Syphilis prevention can help you maintain your sexual health. Here are the best ways to avoid getting syphilis:
Consistent Use of Condoms and Dental Dams
Using condoms and dental dams reduces the risk of getting syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Since syphilis spreads through direct contact with sores, using protection during oral, anal, and vaginal sex creates a barrier between you and any bacteria that may have infected your partner. However, considering that sores can develop on areas of the body that aren’t covered by condoms and dental dams, using protection doesn’t completely eliminate the risk of contracting syphilis.
Regular STI Testing
If you have multiple sexual partners, you should get tested routinely for syphilis and other STIs. This enables you to catch the condition early on and receive treatment before long-term health complications develop.
Avoiding Contact with Sores
If you notice that your sexual partner has sores on body parts that can’t be covered with condoms or dental dams, avoid touching or kissing them.
Prenatal Testing
Prenatal testing can prevent pregnant women from transmitting syphilis to their unborn children. Your doctor may check for syphilis using blood tests or fluid from a sore. Penicillin can be taken while pregnant to cure the condition.
Treatment Options for Syphilis
The ideal method of treatment for syphilis is penicillin, a type of antibiotic that kills the bacteria that cause the infection. Most people are given a single shot to cure the condition; however, those who have had syphilis for many years may need additional doses of penicillin.
Individuals who are allergic to penicillin can take another kind of antibiotic or undergo penicillin desensitization, which will enable them to take penicillin safely.
Complications of Syphilis
When allowed to reach the tertiary stage, syphilis can affect multiple organs and even be life-threatening. Complications of untreated syphilis include:
- Paralysis
- Loss of sight and hearing
- Memory loss
- Gummas (tumor-like growths)
- Premature birth
- Congenital defects
- Strokes
- Heart disease
Get Tested and Treated for Syphilis at Equality Health
Despite being a serious infection, syphilis can be treated effectively if it’s caught early on. At Equality Health, we provide discreet syphilis testing and tailored treatment to help you take control of your sexual health. Our medical team will guide you through each step to make sure you get the treatment you need. You can use our online booking form or give us a call to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Syphilis symptoms can appear within 10 to 90 days of exposure. During this stage, which is called primary syphilis, you may see sores develop in your mouth, genitals, or other parts of your body.
Yes, syphilis can be transmitted during the early latent stage, which happens within a year of initial infection. However, in the late latent stage, the infection is usually not contagious.
