An infection provoked by bacteria that begins with sores usually painless and occurs on the genitals, rectum, or mouth is known as syphilis. It can spread from one person to another through sores or direct contact. Commonly, it spreads during sexual activity. Moreover, this condition can pass to an infant during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (rarely).
When the infection occurs, the bacteria can stay in the body for years without provoking any symptoms. However, it can become active and life-threatening. If you ignore this condition, it may damage your brain, heart, and other organs.
Commonly, early stages of syphilis are cured with a single injection (Penicillin). Therefore, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you notice the symptoms. Pregnant women also should get tested for this disease at the first prenatal checkup.
Symptoms
This is a progressive infection and symptoms appear depending on the stage a person experiences. Furthermore, the symptoms happen randomly and sometimes people may be infected with this bacteria and do not experience any symptoms for long periods.
Primary Syphilis
Usually, the first symptom appears as a painless sore (chancre). Moreover, it appears in the area where the bacteria enters the body. Approximately all people with this stage develop only one chancre.
These chancres usually appear within 20 days after you come in contact with the bacteria. However, many people do not notice these chancres because they are painless. Sometimes these sores appear within the vagina or rectum. In the early stages of the disease, the sores heal on their own within 1 month.
Secondary Syphilis
Some people may develop a rash after the first chancre goes away. Commonly the rash is not itchy, may look rough, red, or reddish-brown, or it cannot be noticed because it appears so faint. In most people with syphilis, the rash appears first on the trunk (including the back, stomach region, chest, and pelvis). Over time it can spread to other body parts such as limbs, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. Check below other symptoms that can appear while the rash happens:
- Mouth or genital area sores
- Hair loss
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Unusual weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes
Previous symptoms can disappear on their own but without receiving treatment the symptoms listed above may come and go for months or even years.
Latent Syphilis
People who do not get syphilis treatment can develop this type after secondary syphilis. It is also known as the hidden stage because it is asymptomatic and can last for years. In any case, without treatment, you may experience serious health problems (complications) despite no symptoms.
Tertiary Syphilis
If you experience latent syphilis and still do not get treatment it can develop to this stage. Some people also known this stage as late syphilis. Those who suffer from tertiary syphilis can experience damage to the following organs and tissues. For example:
- Liver
- Blood vessels
- Bones
- Joints
- Heart
- Eyes
- Nerves
- Brain
Problems with previous organs can happen after years after getting the infection.
Furthermore, there is a risk that this condition will spread to other body parts at any stage causing serious health problems.
Congenital Syphilis
If a pregnant woman has this condition it can pass to the baby. Babies usually get infected through the organ that supplies them with oxygen and nutrients. This organ is known as the placenta. However, the infection can occur during birth.
In addition, infants with this syphilis type do not have any symptoms. In any case, if it is not treated it may lead to the following health problems and symptoms. For example:
- Fever
- Rashes and sores on the skin
- Discolored skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Anemia (reduced amount of red blood cells)
- Swollen liver or spleen
- Rhinitis (sneezing or stuffed nose)
- Bone changes
Deafness, teeth problems, and saddle nose are some late symptoms that occur if the baby does not receive treatment. Premature birth also can occur in people with syphilis. Sometimes, infants die in the womb or right after birth in women with syphilis.
It is advised to contact a healthcare professional immediately if you or your child has syphilis symptoms. For example unusual discharge and a rash or sore especially in the groin region.
Causes
The primary cause of this health condition is a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum. Usually, syphilis spreads to other people through sexual contact with an infected person. It includes vaginal, oral, or anal sex. This bacteria enters the body through tiny cuts or scrapes in the skin. Sometimes, it goes through the moist inner lining of other body parts.
This sexually transmitted disease (STI) is contagious in the first two stages. Rarely, it can be passed to other people in the early latent stage, which happens within a year after you get the infection. In addition, another way that the bacteria spread to others occurs during a kiss or touch an active sore on the tongue, mouth, lips, breasts, or genitals.
In any case, this condition cannot be transmitted to other people by touching the same objects. Therefore, you cannot get it using the same bathtub, clothing, eating utensils, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, or toilet.
If you receive a treatment and cure the infection, it cannot appear again without getting in contact with an infected person.
Risk Factors
Anyone can get this infection by getting in contact with an infected person. However, the following factors could elevate your risk of getting syphilis. For example:
- Have different sexual partners permanently
- Unprotected sex
- Experience HIV/AIDS and do not get treatment
An increased risk of getting syphilis have men who have sexual activity with men. Discuss with a healthcare provider for more details.
Complications
Syphilis can provoke damage to the whole body if it is not treated. This STI also increases your risk of getting HIV infection and pregnancy problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent damage but cannot repair or reverse damage once it occurs. Check below some syphilis complications:
Small Bumps or Tumors
This complication happens quite rarely and it involves bumps (known as gummas) that appear on the skin, bones, liver, or other organs. Mostly, it happens in the late syphilis stage. These gummas often disappear after treatment.
Neurological Disorders
This STI can also cause brain or spinal cord damage. Examples include:
- Certain symptoms that are similar to dementia (such as memory loss, judgment, and others)
- Confusion or difficulty focusing
- Personality changes
- Paralysis (inability to move certain body parts)
- Bladder issues
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- Meningitis (a health condition in which the protective layer of the brain and spinal cord become inflamed)
- Stroke
- Headaches
Eye Disorders
In case this condition affects the eyes it may lead to vision changes. For example:
- Vision problems (such as blurred or double vision)
- Blindness
- Eye redness or pain
Ear Disorders
Otosyphilis is called this complication and it happens when syphilis negatively affects the ears. Check below some symptoms:
- Hearing loss (deafness)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Vertigo
Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders
Heart and blood vessel complications include swelling of the aorta (major artery), damage to valves of the heart, and others.
HIV Infection
People who suffer from this STI are more prone to get HIV infection. It happens because sores on the genital area can bleed easily so HIV can enter into the bloodstream during sexual activity.
Pregnancy Complications
Syphilis can pass to a baby through the placenta of an infected mother. Additionally, congenital syphilis increases significantly the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or death of the baby.
Is it Possible to Prevent Syphilis?
However, there is no vaccine for syphilis and to prevent this STI you should consider the following tips. Examples include:
- Avoid sexual activity or have a safe one – The only sure way to prevent syphilis is to avoid sexual activity (abstinence). Otherwise, it is recommended to get tested every time you have sex with a new partner because this condition in most cases is asymptomatic.
- Use protection during sex – It is advised to use condoms or dental dams during sexual activity because it will help to prevent the infection. Other birth control types cannot reduce the risk of syphilis.
- Limit or avoid alcoholic drinks and recreational drugs – Limit your alcohol intake and avoid using recreational drugs because it may lead to unsafe sex.
- Avoid douching – Vaginal douching is not recommended because it may remove healthy bacteria and elevate your risk of STIs.
- Caution during breastfeeding – In case the breastfeeding mother has syphilis the sores can appear on both breasts. Therefore, the condition can pass to the baby during breastfeeding because he/she gets in direct contact with these sores. Generally, you should not breastfeed until the sores are healed.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually diagnose this STI by performing the following tests. For example:
- Blood tests – When an infection happens, the body’s defense (immune system) makes antibodies to fight against it. A blood test can help to determine whether you have these antibodies or not.
- Fluid from a sore – Doctors can collect a sample of sore fluid and send it for a laboratory test under a microscope.
- Cerebrospinal fluid – Another test that can help to determine syphilis complications is tests of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This test is known as lumbar puncture.
Treatment
The treatment options commonly are different among people. It depends on the stage of syphilis you experience, other existing medical conditions, age, and other factors.
Medicines
This STI is usually easy to cure if is diagnosed in the early stages. Healthcare providers usually prescribe Penicillin to cure the infection. This is an antibiotic used to destroy the bacteria that causes syphilis. However, if you are allergic to this antibiotic, doctors may recommend another one. Several shots of Penicillin are commonly prescribed for people who have had syphilis for more than 1 year.
In addition, for pregnant women, Penicillin is the only way to treat syphilis. This procedure is known as Penicillin desensitization and is performed by an immunologist or allergist. However, if the infection is cured, it is recommended to test the newborn for congenital syphilis.
Some people may experience a reaction (also known as the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction) on the first day of treatment. These include chills, nausea, achy pain, headache, and fever. In any case, these symptoms do not last more than 24 hours usually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to cure syphilis?
Yes, if it is found in the early stages. If you suspect you have syphilis symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
What happens if people with syphilis do not receive treatment?
If you ignore the symptoms and do not get treatment, it may lead to life-long health problems. Sometimes, it may lead to death.
Can syphilis bacteria spread to other people?
Yes, this bacteria can easily spread to other people. This STI usually goes to others during sexual activity. Another way to get this condition is direct contact with the sores. In case you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
