What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
It can infect various parts of the body, including the penis, vagina, anus, throat, and mouth, and then spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. Syphilis progresses through different stages—primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary—each with its own set of symptoms.
If left untreated, syphilis can cause severe health complications, including damage to organs and tissues, and can even be life-threatening. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, leading to congenital syphilis, which can cause serious harm to the baby.
Signs and Symptoms of Syphilis
Syphilis is often called a “great imitator” because its symptoms can resemble those of other conditions. Many people with syphilis may not have any symptoms, making regular testing crucial. The disease progresses in stages, and each stage has different signs and symptoms.
Primary Stage
The primary stage of syphilis typically begins with the appearance of a single sore (or sometimes multiple sores) at the site where the bacteria entered the body. These sores, called chancres, are usually firm, round, and painless. They can appear on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or inside the mouth. The sore typically develops about 3 weeks after exposure and can last for 3 to 6 weeks. Even if the sore heals on its own, the infection remains in the body and can progress to the next stage.
Secondary Stage
If untreated, syphilis can progress to the secondary stage. During this stage, a rash may develop on one or more areas of the body, often on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. The rash can be rough, red, or reddish-brown and may not itch, making it easy to overlook. Other symptoms during this stage can include:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph glands
- Sore throat
- Patchy hair loss
- Headaches
- Weight loss
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
These symptoms may resolve on their own, but without treatment, the infection will continue to progress.
Latent Stage
The latent stage of syphilis occurs when the infection is not treated. During this stage, there are no visible signs or symptoms, but the bacteria remain in the body. The latent stage can last for years, and without treatment, the infection may progress to the most severe stage.
Tertiary Stage
Tertiary syphilis can occur 10 to 30 years after the initial infection.
In this stage, the disease can cause severe damage to the heart, blood vessels, brain, and nervous system. Tertiary syphilis can lead to serious health complications and can be fatal.
Symptoms may include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, blindness, and dementia. Fortunately, tertiary syphilis is now rare due to the availability of effective treatment.
Neurosyphilis, Ocular Syphilis, and Otosyphilis
Syphilis can spread to the brain and nervous system (neurosyphilis), the eyes (ocular syphilis), or the ears (otosyphilis) at any stage of infection.
Symptoms of neurosyphilis can include severe headaches, muscle weakness, and changes in mental status. Ocular syphilis can cause vision changes or even blindness, while otosyphilis can lead to hearing loss and dizziness.
How Do You Get Syphilis?
Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread through close skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, including during activities like fingering, fisting, or the use of sex toys.
Syphilis cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as sharing eating utensils or touching surfaces like doorknobs or toilet seats.
Pregnant women with syphilis can pass the infection to their baby, either before birth or during delivery, leading to congenital syphilis. This condition can cause severe, life-threatening health issues for the newborn.
Testing for Syphilis
Syphilis is usually diagnosed through a blood test, which detects antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis.
In some cases, if a sore is present, a healthcare provider may take a swab from the sore for testing. Regular testing is crucial, especially for sexually active individuals at higher risk, such as men who have sex with men, people with HIV, or those with multiple sexual partners.
Treatment for Syphilis
Syphilis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. The number of doses depends on how long the person has been infected. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment and to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure the infection is completely cleared.
Even after successful treatment, it’s important to get retested because syphilis does not provide immunity, meaning you can be reinfected.
If left untreated, syphilis can cause permanent damage to organs and other parts of the body, and it can be fatal. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent these severe complications.
Telling Your Partner About Syphilis
If you have syphilis, it’s important to inform your current sexual partners and anyone you’ve had sexual contact with in the past year. They need to be tested and treated if necessary to prevent the further spread of the infection.
Notify your partners anonymously via text about an STI with TellYourPartner.com TellYourPartner.com offers a way to notify your partners anonymously, ensuring they receive the necessary information to protect their health without revealing your identity.