Syphilis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection
that often has no visible symptoms. When it does manifest, the disease's
signature symptom is a painless sore, which can go unnoticed and untreated for
years. Untreated syphilis can lead to major health complications and even
death.
Syphilis comes from the French word "pouil",
meaning "sallow man". It came about as a result of an epidemic in
Europe during the 16th century when people believed that sallow-faced
individuals were more likely to succumb to this deadly disease.
Many of the most enduring myths about syphilis come
from misinformation spread during this time when fear was high and knowledge
was scarce. In many ways, the stigma that surrounds syphilis today is a legacy
of the myths and misinformation from centuries past.
Modern medicine has enabled us to treat and cure
conditions that once were fatal. Yet, despite our scientific advances, the
myths surrounding syphilis persist. Here's a look at some of the most common
myths about syphilis and the facts you need to know about this devastating
disease.
Syphilis Is Only A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
While it is true that sexually transmitted diseases
play a large role in the spread of this illness, syphilis can also be contracted
through non-sexual contact as well as from an infected pregnant woman to her
unborn baby. According to the CDC, roughly 44% of people with syphilis are not
aware that they have it.
Syphilis Can Be Treated
Treatment is available for both males and females,
although the CDC notes that the treatment options are still limited for women
who are pregnant or who have HIV/AIDS. The disease is curable if it's diagnosed
and treated early.
If left untreated, syphilis can lead to a variety of
serious health complications including blindness, heart disease, loss of a limb
or organ, damage to the brain and spinal cord, and death.
Syphilis Only Affects Adults
Syphilis is not only an increasingly dangerous STD but
also a growing threat to children as well. According to the CDC, congenital
syphilis is an STD that can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. If
left untreated, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths as well as severe
health complications in newborns.
Syphilis Symptoms Are Unmistakable
If you're experiencing symptoms of syphilis, it's not
always clear what you're dealing with. Some people may experience only one or
two mild symptoms that could easily be mistaken for another illness including
the flu or a common cold. On the other hand, many people with syphilis
experience no symptoms at all. That's why it's so important for people to get
tested regularly.
Syphilis Is Not A Condom-Killer
While syphilis is treatable with effective treatment
regimens, the CDC notes that less than half of people who have been infected
with syphilis use any form of protection during sex. This is because many
people believe that syphilis is not only durable but also preventable through
vaccination. But this is not the case. Vaccination can help prevent contracting
this disease but it doesn't protect against all strains of the disease or
provide 100% protection.
Syphilis Can Be Prevented
Early treatment can virtually eliminate the risk of
contracting syphilis if caught early. Contact your doctor regularly to ensure
you're up-to-date on your STD screenings and to receive treatment if necessary.
Get tested regularly for STDs, including syphilis, as recommended by your
doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions On Syphilis
What Are The Symptoms Of Syphilis?
The CDC notes that four major symptom categories can
indicate if someone is infected with syphilis. These include skin lesions,
which are easily felt but often go unnoticed, organ damage, brain
abnormalities, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Can Syphilis Be Cured?
Yes. According to the CDC, treatment is available for
both men and women to cure their syphilis. However, because the disease was so
widespread centuries ago it is now very hard to treat since penicillin has
largely replaced it as a standard of care for treating sexually transmitted diseases.
Can Syphilis Be Prevented?
Yes. According to the CDC, regular STD testing is one
way to help prevent the spread of syphilis. If you're unsure if you've been
tested for syphilis, contact your doctor and ask about undergoing screening for
STDs and sexually transmitted diseases.
How Is Syphilis Transmitted?
Syphilis can be contracted through sexual contact as
well as non-sexual contact. The bacteria that causes this disease is passed
from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal,
anal or oral sex as well as kissing.
Syphilis can also be passed from an infected pregnant
woman to her unborn child as well as through blood transfusions or sharing
needles with an infected person.