Syphilis is an STD that doesn’t quite get as much publicity as it once did. As other STDs have become more common and better known, syphilis has rather fallen by the wayside— or it has, at least, in popular discussion.
The sad reality is that syphilis is still a serious problem and is, in fact, becoming more prevalent even as discussion of the disease is reducing. Figures released last year showed that syphilis is has risen massively over recent years, leading to the need for a fresh focus on what syphilis is and the potential issues it can cause.
What is syphilis?
The syphilis bacteria.
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Syphilis is a bacterial disease, which is classified as a sexually transmitted disease.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
There are four stages of syphilis, and specific symptoms are associated with each stage:
- Primary: small, painless sores in the genital region.
- Secondary: swollen glands, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and skin rashes.
- Latent: the third stage is a stage of dormancy, and you are unlikely to experience symptoms during this stage. However, the bacteria is still present in your system, and is likely progressing to…
- Tertiary: the most serious stage, which can have potentially disastrous consequences for health. Neurological issues, dementia, vision problems, and numbness in the extremities are common by the time the disease has progressed to the tertiary stage.
How serious is syphilis?
Very. Syphilis can also severely inhibit your ability to live your life normally. If the infection is allowed to progress, then you may develop neurosyphilis, which can lead to the development of issues such as dementia. While neurosyphilis can be managed should you choose to tour Parc Provence and obtain specialist assistance, it’s fair to say that most of us would prefer never to reach this point to begin with.
As well as impacting your experience of life, syphilis also has the potential to be fatal. As a result, it’s vital to take the threat of syphilis very seriously.
When is syphilis contagious?
Syphilis is contagious during the first two stages, and sometimes even during the early months of the third stage. By the time the disease has progressed to the tertiary stage, it is no longer infectious.
How is syphilis prevented?
All the usual wears; dental dams, condoms, and safe sex practices in general.
What should I do if I suspect I have syphilis?
Talk to a doctor as soon as possible.
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If you find a painless sore in the genital or rectal regions, then speak to your doctor immediately. Syphilis is actually very easy to treat when detected in the early stages of infection; you will likely be prescribed a course of penicillin and life will return to normal. Syphilis only becomes a severe threat to life enjoyment and health if it is allowed to progress to the tertiary stage; if you can deal with the problem prior to this point, then your health will be unaffected by the infection going forward.
In conclusion
Knowledge of syphilis is an essential component of good sexual health maintenance; we hope you found the facts above beneficial in this respect.
