by Laila Khan

Created on: July 10, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Recently there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. The Center for Disease Control reported over 36,000 cases of syphilis alone in 2006. Because of the prevalence of syphilis, and the risks associated with it, it is important to understand the risks, symptoms, and treatments associated with this STD.

Syphilis is transmitted through contact with a syphilis spore. Syphilis cannot be transmitted through passive contact, such as from sharing food or clothing. It is spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has syphilis sores on their genitals, anus, rectum, lips or mouth. Even if the sores are not noticeable, they can still cause the disease. It has been found that pregnant women can also give the disease to their children, so women must be extremely careful if they think they may have syphilis.

It is possible to have syphilis and not see any symptoms, even for several years. The first symptoms will be sores, called chancres. They last for approximately three to six weeks, and typically do not cause any pain. Because these sores are breaks in the skin that do bleed, syphilis increases risks of transmitting or getting HIV. They will fade without treatment, but without treatment the disease will progress.

The next symptom is a skin rash that typically does not cause irritation. It may be red and rough when on the hands and feet. The rash can, however, appear on different parts of the body with a different appearance that can look like the symptoms of different diseases. Associated with this stage of symptoms is also fever, sore throat, partial hair loss, headaches, unnatural weight loss, fatigue, muscle pain, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms will also fade without treatment, but, again, the disease will progress if treatment is not sought.

The final symptoms only occur when treatment is not sought. These severe symptoms can occur ten or twenty years after the original infection. Syphilis can cause extreme damage to internal organs such as the brain, eyes, heart, and liver as well as damaging nerves, blood vessels, bones, and joints. Symptoms of this include loss of coordination in the muscles, numbness in limbs or muscles, blindness, and even paralysis or dementia. In extreme cases, internal damage caused by syphilis can lead to death.

Obviously, it is extremely important for syphilis to be diagnosed as soon as symptoms arise so that treatment can be given. Almost any health care center, such as hospitals and clinics, can diagnose syphilis in the early stages by looking for syphilis spores in chancres. Syphilis can also be diagnosed through a simple blood test looking for syphilis antibodies. Because false-positives can occur, two blood tests are typically given to ensure accuracy.

Treatment for syphilis in the early stages is quite easy, and simply involves an antibiotic injection. Further antibiotic treatments may be necessary if the person has had syphilis for more than a year. While undergoing treatment, persons with syphilis must refrain from engaging in sexual contact until the sores are completely gone. They must also alert previous sexual partners of the possibility that they may have syphilis, so they can seek treatment.

Though syphilis can cause severe health problems, these problems can be avoided easily. As with any STD, protections such as abstinence or a monogamous relationship are effective in preventing diseases. If the disease is acquired, however, it can be treated if medical attention is sought. It is always important to be tested for STD's so that treatment can be administered as soon as possible.

Learn more about this author, Laila Khan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.