This sexually contagious disease spreads by the bacteria scientifically known as Treponema pallidum. It is a disease that is making a comeback in many regions where the prevalence was down. Due to its nature, it is the women that inhibit the bacteria for longer before they show any signs. Nonetheless, there is a need for men to have some screening campaigns. Women have mandatory testing during their antenatal visits. The problem with men is it may take years to feel any signs. In the meantime, they are still active in sexual matters. Eventually, they end up infecting several people before finding out their status.
Clinical Stages of Syphilis
There are four medical stages of syphilis
- Primary
- Secondary
- Latent
- Tertiary
The first two stages are more visible than the latter two, as you will find out. Generally, the first manifestation is usually a painless sore around the infected area. This may be in your genitals, rectum, or mouth. The sore or chancre in medical terms disappears after a while. Since it does not cause any discomfort, many people may not raise the alarm.
Primary
It commences about two weeks after exposure to the bacteria. Some people may stay for a longer period without the initial sore.
Secondary
It is the time when sever discomfort starts to come in. In other people, the rashes and sores may include
- Headaches
- Swelling of lymph nodes
- Fever
- Fatigue
If you do not receive the right diagnosis and treatment, the disease goes to the next stage. If you manage the symptoms, they may go away and continue suffering from the disease.
Latent
It is commonly known as the hiding stage of syphilis. During this time, the disease remains passive in its manifestation. Sadly, the latent stage may take years to enter the last stage.
Tertiary
Few people reach this devastating stage. At this stage, most of your organs are damaged. Symptoms like blindness, heart failure, mental illness, stroke, and defective spinal cord are common.
Read More: Syphilis symptoms
Diagnosis
You may go for a clinical test or opt for the home test kit. It is preferable to visit a specialist, but due to stigma, many go for the self-test kit. Samples of your blood and affected areas go for lab testing. At the clinic, the doctor may request you to have extra venereal disease tests to ascertain the extent of your exposure. In all the two scenarios, you will have authentic results.
Get tested: Right Sign Syphilis Test
Get tested: One Step Syphilis Test
Treatment
Depending on the results, the doctor will discuss with you the next course of action. In most cases, the prescription is a combination of antibiotics. If the damage is severe, the medication will not reverse the situation. But will help clear the bacteria from the system and prevent further health risks.
Read More: Modern treatment of syphilis
References
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2019/4562385/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160511154209.htm