The syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It is a potentially serious disease that can affect several parts of the body if not treated properly. The symptoms of syphilis can vary depending on the stage of infection and, according to the Mayo Clinic, are usually divided into four stages: primary, secondary, latent and late (also known as tertiary syphilis).
- Primary: At this stage, a painless ulcer appears at the site of the infection, usually on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. This ulcer is known as a chancre and may be accompanied by swelling of nearby lymph nodes.
It may interest you: A doctor reveals what happens when you stop taking Ozempic
- Secondary: After the primary phase, skin rashes may appear on different parts of the body, as well as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may come and go for several months.
- Latent: During the latent stage, syphilis symptoms disappear, but the infection remains in the body. This stage can last for years and the infected person may have no symptoms.
- Late (tertiary): In some cases, if syphilis is not treated in time, it can progress to a late stage that affects various organs and systems of the body, including the heart, brain, eyes, bones and joints. This stage can cause serious damage and even be life-threatening.
Syphilis is typically treated with antibiotics, usually with penicillin. The choice of antibiotic and duration of treatment may vary depending on the stage of infection and the patient’s overall health, so it is important to follow the full treatment as prescribed by a healthcare professional to ensure complete elimination of the bacteria. .
It may interest you: Gonorrhea symptoms in men and women: these are the differences
Syphilis is transmitted mainly through the sexual contact, including vaginal, anal or oral contact with an infected person, although it can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, known as congenital syphilis. The bacteria can enter the body through small abrasions on the skin or mucous membranes. To avoid infection with syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases, it is best to use protection when having sexual relations.
If left untreated, syphilis can cause a series of complications, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Neurosyphilis. This is a severe form of the infection that affects the central nervous system. It can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, such as severe headaches, coordination problems, paralysis, personality changes, and cognitive impairment.
- Cardiosyphilis. This complication affects the heart and surrounding blood vessels. It can cause inflammation of the arteries (arteritis), which increases the risk of aneurysms and other serious heart conditions.
- Congenital syphilis. If a pregnant woman has syphilis and does not receive treatment, she can transmit the infection to her fetus during pregnancy or childbirth. Congenital syphilis can cause serious birth defects, such as delayed growth, bone abnormalities, damage to the central nervous system, and stillbirth.
- Skin and bone lesions. Syphilis can cause skin lesions, such as ulcers or rashes, and can also affect the bones, causing pain and deformities.
- Aneurysms. In advanced stages, syphilis can cause aneurysms to form in blood vessels, especially the aorta. These can be life-threatening if they break.
- Blindness and deafness. In rare cases, untreated syphilis can cause damage to the optic and auditory nerves, which can result in blindness and deafness.
