Experiencing Syphilis Symptoms?

Though syphilis was once considered to be an STD on the verge of extinction in the U.S., it has been making an unwelcome comeback in recent years. The problem with syphilis is that it doesn't always present with symptoms, and as such, many people remain infected for years without even knowing it. This increases the risk of long-term syphilis effects for those who have it and also causes many people to inadvertently transmit the disease to their sexual partners.

Primary Stage of Syphilis

One common syphilis symptom is the presence of small, firm, painless sores that may appear during the primary stage of the disease. Usually, these sores will develop in the genital area, at the site where the syphilis bacteria entered the body. When syphilis sores do appear, they tend to pop up within 3 weeks to 3 months of exposure and generally heal on their own without treatment.

Secondary Stage of Syphilis

During the secondary stage of syphilis, a rash may appear on the body anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks after syphilis sores are first spotted. Similar to sores, syphilis rashes usually heal on their own, but it may be several months before they disappear completely.

Latent Stage of Syphilis

Left untreated, syphilis can progress to its latent or hidden stage, during which STD symptoms aren't present. The latent stage of syphilis can last anywhere from 1 to 20 years.

Late Stage of Syphilis

The late stage of syphilis is the one that produces the most serious side effects. These may include blindness, nerve damage, blood vessel and heart problems, mental disorders, and even death.

Syphilis Testing

STD testing can help those at risk for syphilis avoid its long-term consequences. Today's testing options include blood tests or the analysis of sores when present.

Treating and Preventing Syphilis

Syphilis is easy to treat and cure in its early stages with antibiotics. The sooner the disease is eliminated, the less likely a person is to pass it along to a sexual partner.

Syphilis infection can be prevented by engaging in safe sexual practices. This includes using protection during intercourse and limiting sexual activity to a single partner.

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