The Truth About Syphilis: Chill Out, Get Checked

Surprised to hear that syphilis is still a thing? Well, it is! Despite major improvements in India’s healthcare system, syphilis remains a public health concern. High-risk sexual behaviours, a lack of awareness, and limited access to competent healthcare in certain locations all contribute to the disease's continuous transmission. In India, the prevalence of four curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including syphilis, among the general population is between 0 and 3.9%. In 2022, the World Health Organization estimated that 8 million adults aged 15-49 acquired syphilis globally. So, what causes it, how do you spot it, and how is it diagnosed? Let’s dive in and get the facts straight in this article.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is an STI that is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It is caused by bacteria and can have serious consequences if left untreated. Without proper treatment, syphilis can lead to long-term health issues, such as blindness, and severe damage to vital organs like the brain, heart, eyes, and nervous system. 

Don't let syphilis steal your health

Syphilis is an STI caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. This spiral-shaped germ gets into the body through mucous membranes or cuts in the skin, typically during sexual contact. Once inside, Treponema pallidum can spread through the bloodstream to different organs. 

Syphilis: A breakdown of the stages & symptoms

Syphilis symptoms vary by stage and may be mild or go unnoticed. Common signs include the following:

• Painless sores called chancre at the site of infection
• Rash that spreads across your body
• Hair loss 
• Flu and fever
• Swollen lymph nodes

The infection goes through several stages, each with its own set of symptoms. Here's how you can differentiate the stages:

In the primary stage, you might notice a painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection. This can pop up on your genitals, mouth, or rectum. During the secondary stage, you could develop a rash that spreads across your body, often alongside flu-like symptoms. Hair loss, fever, and swollen lymph nodes are pretty common during this stage. The latent stage is characterised by an absence of symptoms, but the infection is still active in your body. If it isn't treated, syphilis can move on to the tertiary stage, which can cause serious damage to your heart, brain, blood vessels, eyes, bones, and joints.

What causes syphilis?

The infection process

Once Treponema pallidum gets into the body, it starts multiplying quickly and spreads through the bloodstream to different organs. What's interesting is that it can stay dormant for years, leading to a latent infection that people might not even know they have. But if it’s not treated, the infection can progress to a tertiary stage, which can cause some really serious and often irreversible damage to important parts of the body, like the nervous system, heart, and blood vessels. So, it's something to take seriously!

The immune response

When your body gets invaded by germs, your immune system kicks into gear and starts producing antibodies. These little guys help identify and fight off the infection. If you ever need to find out if you've been exposed to something, doctors can check your blood for these antibodies. But here's the catch: just because antibodies are hanging around doesn't mean you're still sick. They can stick around for years, even after you've fully recovered! So, it's always good to get a complete picture when it comes to your health.

How syphilis spreads: A scientific explanation

Syphilis is primarily transmitted by direct sexual contact with someone who has the virus. This can happen through:

• Vaginal sex: When the genitals of an infected person come into contact with the genitals of an uninfected person.

• Anal sex: When the anus of an infected person comes into contact with the anus or genitals of an uninfected person.

• Oral sex: When the mouth of an infected person comes into contact with the genitals, anus, or mouth of an uninfected person.

It's worth noting that syphilis cannot be transmitted through casual touch or acts such as exchanging towels, clothing, or utensils.

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as a painless sore, rash, or flu-like symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing the progression of syphilis and its potential complications.

Protecting your baby: Syphilis and pregnancy

If you're pregnant and have syphilis, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Untreated syphilis can have severe consequences for both the mother and the baby. The infection can be passed from the mother to the foetus, leading to serious health problems, including:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Congenital syphilis

What is congenital syphilis?

It is a serious disorder that arises when a pregnant woman who has syphilis infects her unborn child. Miscarriage, stillbirth, early birth, low birth weight, and congenital syphilis are all serious health issues for the newborn. Congenital syphilis can result in a variety of difficulties in babies, including bone abnormalities, hearing loss, vision impairments, developmental delays, and neurological problems.

How to prevent syphilis: A guide to safe sex

There's no medication to prevent syphilis. However, several strategies can significantly reduce your risk of infection:

• Consistent condom use: Using condoms correctly and consistently during all sexual activities is one of the most effective ways to avoid syphilis. Condoms operate as a barrier to the spread of syphilis-causing germs.

• Limiting sexual partners: Having fewer sexual partners can greatly reduce your chance of contracting STIs, including syphilis.

• Open communication: Having honest and open conversations with sexual partners can help lower the risk of STIs. Discussing sexual history and engaging in safe sex can benefit both parties.

Complications of untreated syphilis

While syphilis may begin with mild or unnoticed symptoms, leaving it untreated can lead to severe health complications. Below are some of the potential effects of syphilis.

• Damage to internal organs: If left untreated, syphilis can affect vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, leading to long-term health issues. 

• Neurological issues: Syphilis can spread to the nervous system, causing neurological problems. This can result in conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, leading to symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and difficulty with movement.

• Vision problems: The infection may also reach the eyes, resulting in vision problems or even blindness. 

• Cardiovascular complications: Syphilis can lead to cardiovascular complications such as damage to the blood vessels or the heart, which can cause severe health issues like heart failure or other circulatory problems.

• Increased risk of HIV: People with syphilis are more susceptible to contracting HIV, as the open sores caused by syphilis provide an entry point for the virus. 

Stay ahead of syphilis with early diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosing syphilis typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the bacteria. Early detection is crucial to prevent the infection from progressing to more serious stages. Once diagnosed, syphilis can be effectively managed with appropriate medical care, which targets the infection and helps prevent further complications. Timely treatment not only resolves the infection but also reduces the risk of transmission to others. It’s important to follow through with the full course of care to ensure complete recovery and avoid the risk of re-infection.

Don’t let syphilis sneak up on you

Syphilis is a sneaky infection that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. The good news is that it's preventable and treatable. By understanding the risks and practising safe sex, you can protect yourself and your partners. If you're concerned about your sexual health, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor. Remember, early detection and treatment are key to preventing the spread of syphilis and its complications.

So, let's all work together to spread awareness, practise safe sex, and keep ourselves healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the causes and symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Early symptoms include a painless sore (chancre) and a rash, often on the palms and soles. Later, symptoms can be more severe, affecting the heart, brain, and nervous system.

2. Does syphilis have early symptoms?

Yes, syphilis often has early symptoms. The first sign is usually a painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection. This can appear on the genitals, mouth, or rectum. A rash may also develop, often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

3. Are syphilis symptoms visible?

A painless sore called a chancre or a rash that appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet can be visible. However, some stages of syphilis, like the latent stage, may not have visible symptoms.

4. How long does syphilis last?

If untreated, syphilis can last for many years. It progresses through different stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. The duration of each stage varies, but without treatment, the infection can persist for decades.

5. Can I live a normal life with syphilis?

If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health problems, affecting the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, blood vessels, bones, and joints. While early treatment can prevent these complications, untreated syphilis can significantly impact one's quality of life.

6. Can syphilis go away naturally?

No, syphilis cannot go away naturally. It requires treatment with medications. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the progression of the disease and its associated complications.