Treponema PallidumSyphilis is perhaps the most notorious of sexually transmitted infections reported to have been around Europe since the 14th century. Known then under many names such as the Great Pox, it was spread by armies traveling the lands via their unprotected encounters with prostitutes. Today, however, is is not so much a nuisance and can be cured in several ways.
Transmission
Syphilis is most often transmitted through sexual contact, but it has also been know to have been passed on from mother to her unborn child.
Symptoms
The signs of having contracted Syphilis are the same for both men and women, but may not be easily recognisable until several months after infection. The Symptoms vary slightly for each stage of infection.
Primary Syphilis is the first stage of infection acquired via direct sexual contact with an infected person. After approximately three weeks skin lesions may start to appear at the point of contact and lasting up to six weeks, along with swelling to the lymph nodes.
Secondary Syphilis occurs approximately 1-6 months after exposure. This stage is marked by the appearance of bodily rashes and infectious mucous lesions may appear on the genitals or in the mouth - these are infection and contact should be avoided. This stage is considered to be the most contagious. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, malaise, weight loss, headache, meningismus, and enlarged lymph nodes. Rare manifestations include an acute meningitis that occurs in about 2% of patients, hepatitis, renal disease, hypertrophic gastritis, patchy proctitis, ulcerative colitis, rectosigmoid mass, arthritis, periostitis, optic neuritis, intersitial keratitis, iritis, and uveitis.
Latent Syphilis is an unrelated stage of infection where having Syphilis can be proven, yet with no visible symptoms. If the infection has persisted up to two years without symptoms is is defined as Early Latent Syphilis. If it has been more than two years it is classed as Late Latent Syphilis.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Syphilis is identified through blood tests, urine samples and physical examinations. Women may require an intimate internal examination by a doctor. A fluid sample may also be taken from any sores. None of these tests should be particularly painful, but may cause some discomfort.
Today, almost all cases of Syphilis can be treated by a course of antibiotics, either orally or by injection. The length and type of treatment depends on the stage of infection. Once the infection has been successfully treated it will not return unless you are re-infected by another person, however future blood tests will return a positive result for Syphilis. For this reason you may obtain a certificate from your clinic detailing the successful treatment.