Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about Syphilis. Let’s dive in!
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a sensitive topic for many people.
Among them, syphilis was once thought to be nearly eradicated, but in recent years, infection rates have been rising again worldwide.
One of the biggest challenges with syphilis is that its early symptoms are often mild or go unnoticed, making early diagnosis difficult.
In men, early STI symptoms can be easily confused with other diseases, making early detection crucial.
In this post, we’ll explore the early symptoms of syphilis, how it differs from other STIs, whether it can be completely cured, and the incubation period and treatment options.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
This bacterium is mainly transmitted through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) but can also be passed from an infected pregnant mother to her baby.
Early Symptoms of Syphilis
Syphilis progresses through four stages, each with different symptoms.
Primary Syphilis (Stage 1)
- Symptoms appear within 3 weeks of infection.
- A painless sore (chancre) develops at the site of infection, usually on the penis, vagina, anus, lips, or inside the mouth.
- The sore is small, firm, and painless, making it easy to ignore.
- Some people experience swollen lymph nodes near the sore.
- The sore may heal on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, but this does NOT mean the infection is gone—it simply moves to the latent stage.
Secondary Syphilis (Stage 2)
- Occurs 3 to 6 months after the primary stage.
- Skin rashes appear, often on the palms and soles, and are usually not itchy.
- White or gray lesions can form in the mouth, anus, or genitals.
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, and weight loss may occur.
- Without treatment, the infection enters the latent stage.
Latent Syphilis (Hidden Stage)
- No visible symptoms, but the infection remains in the body for years.
- Blood tests can still detect the infection.
- Although it is less contagious at this stage, syphilis can still cause severe internal organ damage over time.
Tertiary Syphilis (Stage 3 - Late Stage)
- Can develop years or even decades after the initial infection.
- Causes serious complications, including damage to the heart, brain, bones, and nervous system.
- If untreated, can be fatal.
Can Syphilis Be Cured?
Yes, syphilis can be completely cured if treated in its early stages.
However, if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications affecting the nervous system, heart, and other organs.
How is Syphilis Treated?
1) Antibiotic Treatment
- The standard treatment for syphilis is Benzathine penicillin G injection.
- If allergic to penicillin, doxycycline or azithromycin may be prescribed.
- Early-stage syphilis often requires just one injection, but later stages may require multiple doses.
2) Partner Treatment
- Sexual partners must also be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
3) Follow-up Care
- Regular follow-up tests at 6 and 12 months after treatment are necessary.
- HIV testing is also recommended, as syphilis increases the risk of HIV infection.
Syphilis Incubation Period
- Primary stage incubation: ~3 weeks (range: 10 to 90 days)
- Secondary stage incubation: ~3 weeks (range: 10 to 90 days)
- Tertiary stage incubation: Can remain dormant for years or decades before complications appear.
Even during the latent stage, the infection can still be transmitted, especially from pregnant mothers to their babies.
The risk of transmission is highest in the primary and secondary stages, but even in the latent stage, blood transmission and mother-to-baby infection are possible.
How to Prevent Syphilis
- Always use condoms during sex.
- Limit the number of sexual partners.
- Since syphilis often has no symptoms, regular STI screenings are essential.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Fortunately, syphilis can be completely cured if detected early. But even during the latent stage, the infection can still be contagious, making regular screening and early treatment essential.
In this post, we covered the early symptoms, causes, cure possibility, incubation period, and treatment methods for syphilis. If you suspect an infection, don’t wait—get tested and treated as soon as possible.
Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖
This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.
