Syphilis

Syphilis is a severe bacterial infection that can be transmitted through unprotected sex. It can cause irreversible damage to your health if left undetected and untreated.

Mobidoctor`s online doctors can help you detect the presence of syphilis. Prescribe useful treatment courses, and generally stop the bacterial infection from spreading before it creates long-term damage to your body.

Syphilis is a severe condition caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. It spreads through sexual contact and can leave you with irreversible damages to your body if it progresses to a worse condition.

You may not be aware that you contracted syphilis because like most STIs, it doesn’t show outward symptoms right away. That’s why you need to have yourself checked if you had unprotected sex for quite some time now.

There are three stages of syphilis symptoms once they begin to manifest in your body:

Stage 1 – Primary Syphilis

This stage is characterized by the appearance of a small sore on the vagina, penis, or anus. Swollen glands also begin to appear. The symptoms usually show up 2-3 weeks after exposure to the bacteria.

Stage 2 – Secondary Syphilis

This stage occurs a few weeks after initial symptoms have shown up. Here’s what to expect in this syphilis stage:

• Flu-like symptoms

• Loss of hair in patches

• Red rashes on the palms of hands or soles of the feet

• White patches on the mouth

• Wart-like growths on the skin

Stage 3 – Tertiary Syphilis

This stage may not appear until after years or decades following secondary syphilis. Stage 3 is the most severe stage of the disease, and this is where the infection already spread to a large portion of your body.

Symptoms and complications that will likely include:

• Heart ailments

• Dementia

• Blindness (could be partial or full)

• Meningitis

• Stroke

• Problems in coordination

You can still get treated for syphilis during its tertiary stage. However, irreversible damage to your body organs will continue at this point.

Most syphilis cases can be treated with antibiotic medications. They are usually given as injections, but some may also be given prescriptions for oral antibiotics. Dosage and length of treatment will depend on how long you’ve had the infection.

Stop unprotected sex for the entire duration of your treatment and up to two weeks thereafter.

Syphilis is passed through unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Exposure or direct contact with an infected syphilis sore facilitates the transfer of bacteria to other people. Syphilis is easily passed on within the first two years of infection.

It is crucial to get medical help and treatment if ever you get syphilis while pregnant. Your baby’s health is at seriously high risk. Congenital syphilis may take over your unborn baby, and that condition will pose huge problems on his/her health as he/she grows up. You may also likely experience a miscarriage or stillbirth if you have untreated syphilis.