Syphilis - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection that often has no visible symptoms. When it does manifest, the disease's signature symptom is a painless sore, which can go unnoticed and untreated for years. Untreated syphilis can lead to major health complications and even death.

Syphilis comes from the French word "pouil", meaning "sallow man". It came about as a result of an epidemic in Europe during the 16th century when people believed that sallow-faced individuals were more likely to succumb to this deadly disease.

Many of the most enduring myths about syphilis come from misinformation spread during this time when fear was high and knowledge was scarce. In many ways, the stigma that surrounds syphilis today is a legacy of the myths and misinformation from centuries past.

Modern medicine has enabled us to treat and cure conditions that once were fatal. Yet, despite our scientific advances, the myths surrounding syphilis persist. Here's a look at some of the most common myths about syphilis and the facts you need to know about this devastating disease.

Syphilis Is Only A Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

While it is true that sexually transmitted diseases play a large role in the spread of this illness, syphilis can also be contracted through non-sexual contact as well as from an infected pregnant woman to her unborn baby. According to the CDC, roughly 44% of people with syphilis are not aware that they have it.

Syphilis Can Be Treated

Treatment is available for both males and females, although the CDC notes that the treatment options are still limited for women who are pregnant or who have HIV/AIDS. The disease is curable if it's diagnosed and treated early.

If left untreated, syphilis can lead to a variety of serious health complications including blindness, heart disease, loss of a limb or organ, damage to the brain and spinal cord, and death.

Syphilis Only Affects Adults

Syphilis is not only an increasingly dangerous STD but also a growing threat to children as well. According to the CDC, congenital syphilis is an STD that can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. If left untreated, it can cause miscarriages and stillbirths as well as severe health complications in newborns.

Syphilis Symptoms Are Unmistakable

If you're experiencing symptoms of syphilis, it's not always clear what you're dealing with. Some people may experience only one or two mild symptoms that could easily be mistaken for another illness including the flu or a common cold. On the other hand, many people with syphilis experience no symptoms at all. That's why it's so important for people to get tested regularly.

Syphilis Is Not A Condom-Killer

While syphilis is treatable with effective treatment regimens, the CDC notes that less than half of people who have been infected with syphilis use any form of protection during sex. This is because many people believe that syphilis is not only durable but also preventable through vaccination. But this is not the case. Vaccination can help prevent contracting this disease but it doesn't protect against all strains of the disease or provide 100% protection.

Syphilis Can Be Prevented

Early treatment can virtually eliminate the risk of contracting syphilis if caught early. Contact your doctor regularly to ensure you're up-to-date on your STD screenings and to receive treatment if necessary. Get tested regularly for STDs, including syphilis, as recommended by your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions On Syphilis

What Are The Symptoms Of Syphilis?

The CDC notes that four major symptom categories can indicate if someone is infected with syphilis. These include skin lesions, which are easily felt but often go unnoticed, organ damage, brain abnormalities, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Can Syphilis Be Cured?

Yes. According to the CDC, treatment is available for both men and women to cure their syphilis. However, because the disease was so widespread centuries ago it is now very hard to treat since penicillin has largely replaced it as a standard of care for treating sexually transmitted diseases.

Can Syphilis Be Prevented?

Yes. According to the CDC, regular STD testing is one way to help prevent the spread of syphilis. If you're unsure if you've been tested for syphilis, contact your doctor and ask about undergoing screening for STDs and sexually transmitted diseases.

How Is Syphilis Transmitted?

Syphilis can be contracted through sexual contact as well as non-sexual contact. The bacteria that causes this disease is passed from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex as well as kissing.

Syphilis can also be passed from an infected pregnant woman to her unborn child as well as through blood transfusions or sharing needles with an infected person.