Information on Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidium. The infection is usually sexually transmitted, in which case it is called venereal syphilis. It may also be passed on to an unborn child if the woman is pregnant. This will put the baby’s health at risk.

Symptoms among men and women are almost the same. However, the symptoms may vary depending on the stage or severity of the disease. In the initial stage, sores or ulcers may appear from where the bacteria have entered the body. It usually takes 21 days after the sexual contact before symptoms appear. Sores may appear on the vagina, penis, anus or mouth. Treatment may take 1 to 2 weeks before it disappears from the skin. If these are left untreated, second stage may follow which may show symptoms like a flu-like illness, loss of appetite, swollen glands, rashes all over the body, wart-like flats in the vulva of women or patchy hair loss.

During the second stage of syphilis, infection is very contagious. The symptoms may clear up after a few weeks, but if still left untreated, they may be recurrent. During the first two stages, medications and treatment can cure the disease.

If the case of syphilis is severe, it is in the tertiary stage. This is a dangerous stage to be in. the effects of the disease may be longer and more risky for the patient’s health. It may affect the patient’s heart and the nervous system.

With these symptoms, a way to confirm a patient’s infection is through taking a reliable STD testing. This is often done in a hospital or health clinics by a health specialist. And there are also some STD testing clinics where STD specialists are present. These clinics offer testing, screening, counseling and treatment of the disease.

Testing for syphilis is usually done by taking urine samples from the patient. Other than urine, blood and swab samples may also be taken for testing. For local STD testing, results may come out in a few weeks. But for quick STD testing, results are out in twenty minutes or so. Aside from taking the STD test, sample from the sore may also be taken. The sore to be taken from should be fresh and not cracked up already. Genital area will also be examined.

Once diagnosed with syphilis, the patient may be given proper treatment and medication by a doctor or health specialist. The treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. Injection of penicillin is usually prescribed to syphilis positive patients. Even if treatment is completed, the patient will still be asked to take succeeding tests and regular checkups. This is to make sure that the disease is completely eliminated.

Remember that the treatment is only responsible for killing the virus that caused the syphilis. And it will not cure the complications that were obtained while suffering from the disease. Prevention is still the best defense against these dreadful diseases. Proper care for oneself is needed and smart decisions should be done.

Baltimore STD Testing Clinics
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidium.