What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection. And it’s one of the more serious sexually transmitted diseases. It’s caused by the bacteria treponema pallidum. The infection occurs by sexual contact with an infected person, be it oral, anal or vaginal. It can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. This disease is progressive with permanent and irreversible damage in the long term. But it is treatable, especially when detected early.
Cohen Medical Practice in Midtown New York offers comprehensive solutions for different feminine health problems, including complex sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea and genital herpes. Dr. Felix Cohen and his team of skilled gynecologists offer personalized treatment plans to accurately diagnose and effectively treat all your gynecological issues. Whether you visit for a routine gynecological exam or for complex ovarian surgery, this team treats you with compassionate care.
Can I Unknowingly Have Syphilis?
Many people contract syphilis and fail to notice any alarming symptoms, especially in the early stages. It’s possible for the symptoms not to show for years unless it’s detected in standard STD screening. The asymptomatic nature of this disease translates to delayed diagnosis, more complex health issues and continued spread of the disease.
However, syphilis is not completely unnoticeable, even though you may contribute the symptoms to other causes. The only sure way to find out is to visit your doctor and get tested.
Some symptoms that may point to syphilis include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Emergence of a small painless sore on the mouth, genitals or anus
- A rash on palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Patchy hair loss after some time
How Quickly Does Syphilis Progress?
Syphilis is a slow progressing disease, but with severely damaging consequences in the later stages. It goes through distinct stages, with each stage having its set of symptoms and complications. Syphilis poses a danger with its insidious character, when its symptoms sometimes disappear between stages, making you think you’re cured.
The exact progression varies from person to person, but there are typical timelines observed, and recognizing them is helpful for timely intervention.
The disease progresses in stages that include:
- Primary stage. This stage lasts three days up to three weeks after you’ve been infected. A small painless sore appears on the mouth, genitals or anus depending on the site of infection.
- Secondary stage. This stage takes place two to six weeks after infection. Symptoms include fatigue, headaches and swollen lymph nodes. A rash may also appear on the hands and feet.
- Latent stage. This stage occurs months to years after the infection. The symptoms disappear but the infection remains and is widespread.
- Tertiary stage. This stage lasts up to 10 years after infection. It manifests in severe complications including neurological and vision problems.
How Can I Confirm if I Have Syphilis?
The surest way to confirm a case of syphilis is by STD screening. It involves a review of your medical history, physical examination and lab tests. You can expect questions about your sexual behavior and history, including any previous sexually transmitted infections.
This interview is helpful for your CMP doctor to examine risk factors associated with syphilis and other STDs.
Your doctor then orders several diagnostic tests and procedures to isolate the exact infection, including:
- Blood tests. This could be a Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test or rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test.
- Dark field microscopy. This test examines fluids taken from sores.
- Lumbar puncture. An examination of the spinal fluid may be required in suspected neurosyphilis.
- Physical examination. The doctor examines the nature of any sores, rashes and other visible symptoms.
What Are the Most Effective Treatments for Syphilis?
Antibiotics offer effective treatment for syphilis, but the exact regimen and dosage differs with the stage. Although it’s a curable disease, syphilis may cause complications that are difficult to treat in its tertiary stage.
CMP New York doctors develop a highly personalized and tailored treatment plan depending on the disease stage and your overall health outlook.
The treatment options include:
- Penicillin, usually the first line antibiotic, especially for the early stages
- Doxycycline and tetracycline, offered as an alternative to people allergic to penicillin
- Ceftriaxone, an injectable antibiotic usually prescribed for neurosyphilis
What Are the Risks of Untreated Syphilis?
Syphilis presents severe and life-threatening complications when left untreated. Its progression causes severe damage to multiple organ systems. There is also the risk of transmitting it to your partner and unborn child.
These complications have a significant impact on your quality of life.
It also translates to higher chances of premature death, in addition to:
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Neurological problems like meningitis
- Damage to the skin and bones
- Increased risks of HIV infection
How Can I Avoid Contracting Syphilis?
The surest way of lowering the risks of syphilis infections and other STDs is observing safe sex practices. It also calls for more open communication with potential sexual partners and insisting on screening for STDs.
Your CMP doctor advocates safe sex behavior with tips to prevent syphilis, including:
- Consistent and correct use of barriers like condoms and dental dams
- Limiting sexual partners
- Screening before starting sexual relations
- Avoiding sharing personal items contaminated with bodily fluids
CMP New York offers the effective treatment required for syphilis and other STDs, even in their later and more complex stages. Dr. Cohen and the team have the skills and experience to treat and cure this disease. Contact Cohen Medical Practice today to start your journey to full recovery.