STD of the week: syphilis
After initial infection, syphilis can remain dormant in the human body for decades before reactivating.
Syphilis develops in stages. Each stage has different symptoms. In some cases, the stages may overlap and symptoms may not occur in a particular order.
If caught early, syphilis can be cured with a single shot of penicillin, but if left untreated the infection can cause severe, life-threatening damage to the heart, brain and other organs.
PRIMARY SYPHILIS: This is the first stage of the infection that usually develops around three weeks after exposure. A small sore will appear at the spot where the bacteria entered the body (generally around the penis, vagina, anus or oral cavity.) There may be more than one sore that can easily be hidden inside the vagina or rectum. The sore(s) will heal normally within three to six weeks after the initial outbreak.
SECONDARY SYPHILIS: The second stage of the infection may happen a few weeks after the first stage. A rash may occur that spreads to cover the entire body. The rash is not usually itchy and is comparable to wart like sores in the mouth or genital areas. In some cases hair loss, muscle aches, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes are possible symptoms in this stage. These symptoms can come and go for up to a year.
LATENT SYPHILIS: This stage only happens if an infected individual is not treated during the second stage. This is known as the “hidden” stage due to the lack of symptoms present. This stage can last for years, and symptoms may not return.
TERTIARY SYPHILIS: Not all people that go untreated will develop the tertiary symptoms. During this stage the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints can be attacked by the infection.
If the infection is caught in the earliest stages it can be cured, but damage from the infection may not be fixed.
A simple blood test can be used to determine if a person is infected with syphilis.
Syphilis is spread by “direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.” Sores can be found generally around or on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips or inside the mouth.
