What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted illness that, if left untreated, may cause significant health consequences. Syphilis progresses in phases (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage has its own set of indications and symptoms.

 

How is syphilis spread?

Syphilis may be transmitted via direct contact with a syphilis sore during intercourse in vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The penis, vagina, or anus, as well as the rectum, the lips, or the mouth, may all develop sores. Syphilis is very infectious and may be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.

 

What does syphilis look like?

Syphilis is classified into four phases (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), each with its own set of signs and symptoms. A person with primary syphilis often develops a sore or sores at the infection site. These sores often develop on or around the genitals, on or near the anus or rectum, or in or around the mouth. Generally (though not always), these lesions are solid, circular, and painless. Secondary syphilis symptoms include a rash on the skin, enlarged lymph nodes, and fever.

 

How can I reduce my risk of getting syphilis?

To prevent STDs, the only solution is to abstain from vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. If you are sexually active, the following steps may help reduce your risk of contracting syphilis:

1. Maintaining a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested for syphilis and is negative;
2. Use latex condoms properly each time you have sex. Condoms prevent syphilis transmission by avoiding contact with a sore. Occasionally, ulcers develop in locations not covered by a condom. Syphilis may still be transmitted by contact with these lesions.

 

Am I at risk for syphilis?

Syphilis may be contracted by any sexually active individual via unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse. Discuss your concerns with your health care practitioner candidly and openly, and inquire if you should be tested for syphilis or other STDs.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of syphilis?

Symptoms of syphilis in adults vary by stage:

 

Primary Stage

You may detect a single sore or several sores during the first (primary) stage of syphilis. The sore is the entry point for syphilis into your body. Generally (though not always), sores are solid, circular, and painless. Due to the sore's lack of discomfort, it might easily go overlooked. The pain typically lasts between three and six weeks and heals regardless of whether you take Treatment or not. Even after the sore has healed, you must continue therapy. This will halt the progression of your illness to the secondary stage.

Secondary Stage

You may develop skin rashes and/or mucous membrane lesions during the secondary stage. Mouth, vaginal, or anus mucous membrane lesions are sores. This stage is often preceded by the appearance of a rash on one or more places of your body. The rash may appear during the healing process of your initial sore or many weeks afterwards. On the palms of your hands and/or the soles of your feet, the rash may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown blotches.

Latent Stage

The latent stage of syphilis is a period during which no apparent indications or symptoms of the infection exist. Without Treatment, syphilis may remain dormant in your body for years without causing any symptoms.

Tertiary Stage

The majority of individuals with untreated syphilis do not acquire secondary syphilis. When it does occur, however, it may impact a variety of organ systems. The heart and blood vessels and the brain and neurological system are examples of these. Tertiary syphilis is a hazardous illness that occurs 10–30 years after the first infection. In tertiary syphilis, the illness causes organ damage and might be fatal.

Neurosyphilis and Ocular Syphilis

Syphilis may spread to the brain and neurological system (neurosyphilis) or the eye if not treated (ocular syphilis). This may occur at any point throughout the preceding phases.

 

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References

[1] Hook EW, Marra CM. Acquired Syphilis in Adults. New England Journal of Medicine. 1992;326:1060–1069.

[2] LaFond RE, Lukehart SA. Biological Basis for Syphilis. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 2006;19:29–49.

[3] Park J. Historical Origins of the Tuskegee Experiment: The Dilemma of Public Health in the United States. Uisahak. 2017;26:545–578.

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