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a lab technician testing for syphilis

Understanding Syphilis

Syphilis is a contagious disease that is spread from one individual to another through close physical contact. Sexual activity is the primary means by which a person may contract this disease. Without treatment, syphilis poses a very real health risk, because it can lead to conditions that include arthritis and brain damage.

It is important that you learn the facts about syphilis and how it can be prevented. Although there are effective treatments for this disease, knowing the symptoms and treating the condition at an early stage is vital. Better yet, understanding how to prevent syphilis altogether should be your priority.

Causes

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum. It is spread from one individual to another through close body contact and exchange of fluids. The bacteria may be present in existing sores on the surface of the body. The most common means of transference are vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Many individuals who have contracted the disease are unaware of their sores. These sores can be quite small, resembling a bug bite. However, sores located in the mouth or in the genital areas are full of bacteria that can easily be passed from one person to another through the act of kissing or sexual intercourse.

Symptoms

In the primary stage of syphilis, small, reddish sores will develop in the genital area or around the lips. These sores are generally painless and are often overlooked by the infected person. In later stages, about one or two months after contracting the disease, other sores may appear on the surface of the skin.

A latency period follows initial symptoms. During this time, no visible symptoms are apparent. However, after this dormancy period, the tertiary stage of syphilis has symptoms ranging from nervous disorders to vision problems. If the disease is not treated in time, brain damage, heart malfunction, and death could occur.

Treatment

Fortunately, syphilis is easily treated if diagnosed in its early stages. A simple blood test will clearly show if the bacteria are present. Penicillin is one of the most commonly used medicines for the treatment of syphilis. Those allergic to penicillin can be given another type of antibiotic to treat the disease.

The antibiotic used to treat syphilis is taken regularly for as long as the doctor recommends. Follow-up blood tests are required to make certain that the bacteria are completely exterminated. Blood tests need to be performed on all people who have had sexual relations with a syphilis patient. Most often, these individuals will be advised to undergo antibiotic treatment as well.

Prevention

Mutually monogamous sex with a trusted, noninfected partner is the best way to prevent infection. If you are unsure of the sexual history of your intended partner, abstaining from sexual relations until testing has been completed is highly recommended.

Using barrier-method contraceptives, such as condoms and dental dams, while engaging in sexual activity greatly reduces the chances of infection because many of the sores that carry bacteria are located on the genitals. Women should understand that douching or other forms of genital hygiene will not prevent the contraction of syphilis.

Expectant mothers should refrain from sexual activity with an unknown partner. An infected mother-to-be can pass the disease onto the fetus. Although testing for syphilis is often routine for pregnant women, it is important to ask whether this test is scheduled during the first trimester.

Last Updated: June 27, 2014