Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that is experiencing alarming increase of infection throughout the US. It can be passed from one person to another through oral and vaginal sex, and has seen a 400 percent increase in the past five years. According to a report from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syphilis that was nearly eliminated in late 2000 has again remerged presenting a substantial challenge for the health authorities. 

The main reason for the spread of syphilis infections is lack of social awareness about the spread of the disease. In this article, we will take a look at what is syphilis, and the syphilis screening guidelines to help prevent infection.

About Syphilis Infections

If you’re wondering what is syphilis, it’s basically an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium known as Treponema pallidum.  Like other sexually transmitted infections, syphilis is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. The disease can spread through oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse, as well as any exposure to chancres. It can also spread from a mother to a child during pregnancy or labor.

The Stages of Syphilis

To truly understand what is syphilis, you must know about its four stages. The severity of the symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. Symptoms may overlap and don't necessarily occur in the same order. Some people also don't show symptoms for years. The only way to know for sure if a person is infected with syphilis is through an STD syphilis testing.

Stage 1 - Primary Syphilis

Primary syphilis infections appears about 10 to 90 days after being exposed to the virus. Some of the symptoms include small painless sores, known as chancres, as well as swollen or enlarged lymph nodes near the groin area. These sores often heal within 3-6 weeks, and the condition can be cured at this stage.

Stage 2 - Secondary Syphilis

During secondary syphilis, some of the symptoms include sores in the anus, vagina, or the mouth, a small, reddish-brown rash, fever, weight loss, swollen glands, headache, hair loss, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness.

Stage 3 - Latent Syphilis

In cases where syphilis is not treated, the disease could progress into the third stage. There are rarely any symptoms in this stage, although the bacteria is still present in the body. People are not contagious during this phase, but some don’t enter this stage of syphilis, and progress directly to stage 4. 

Stage 4 - Tertiary Syphilis

The final stage of syphilis is characterized by extremely severe symptoms. These symptoms may appear about 10 to 30 years after exposure to the virus and include problems with muscle and movement control, vision issues, numbness, and dementia. Although not contagious in this phase, people may experience severe organ damage and even death.

STD Screening Guidelines

It is important to know more than just what syphilis is, you should also be aware of the CDC guidelines for STD testing and screening. It's important to follow the guidelines to avoid serious health conditions due to syphilis.

  • Pregnant women should get STD testing for Chlamydia and syphilis early in the pregnancy.
  • Men and women who are sexually active should be tested for gonorrhea and Chlamydia annually.
  • Gay and bisexual men should get tested for Chlamydia, syphilis, HIV, and gonorrhea annually.
  • People with multiple partners should get STD testing more frequently.

Following these guidelines can help in preventing STD transmission. Make sure that you follow safe sex practices, as a little precaution will go a long way in preventing dangerous health consequences due to STDs.

 

 

Contributor: admin