Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria known as Treponema pallidum.
The first sign of syphilis is a small, painless sore. It can appear on the sexual organs, rectum, or inside the mouth. This sore is called a chancre. People often fail to notice it right away.
Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose. Someone can have it without showing any symptoms for years. However, the earlier syphilis is discovered, the better. Syphilis that remains untreated for a long time can cause major damage to important organs, like the heart and brain.
Syphilis is only spread through direct contact with syphilitic chancres. It can’t be transmitted by sharing a toilet with another person, wearing another person’s clothing, or using another person’s eating utensils.
PREVENTION
How to prevent syphilis
The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex. Use condoms during any type of sexual contact. In addition, it may be helpful to:
👉🏿Use a dental dam (a square piece of latex) or condoms during oral sex.
👉🏿Avoid sharing sex toys.
👉🏿Get screened for STIs and talk to your partners about their results.
Syphilis can also be transmitted through shared needles.
👉🏿Avoid sharing needles if using injected drugs.
COMPLICATIONS
There’s also a risk that a mother with syphilis will pass the disease on to her fetus. This is known as congenital syphilis.
Congenital syphilis can be life-threatening. Babies born with congenital syphilis can also have the following:
💥deformities
💥developmental delays
💥seizures
💥rashes
💥fever
💥swollen liver or spleen
💥anemia
💥jaundice
💥infectious sores
If a baby has congenital syphilis and it isn’t detected, the baby can develop late stage syphilis. This can cause damage to their:
bones, teeth, eyes
ears, brain.
HIV
People with syphilis have a significantly increased chance of contracting HIV. The sores the disease cause make it easier for HIV to enter the body.
It’s also important to note that those with HIV may experience different syphilis symptoms than those who don’t have HIV. If you have HIV, talk to your doctor about how to recognize syphilis symptoms.
TREATMENT
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR