What is syphilis?

 

Caused by a type of spirochaete bacteria, syphilis is a highly infectious STD commonly found among men who have sex with men.

 

How is syphilis transmitted?

 

It is transmitted through sexual acts with partners who are already infected, including oral sex and anal play/sex where there is direct physical contact with a sore.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

Primary stage: The first sign of syphilis usually appears 2 to 10 weeks after exposure. Typically, a painless sore (called a chancre) appears on or around the genitals, but sometimes it can be discovered at other body parts, e.g. on the lips, inside the mouth, in the throat, around the anus, or other area of direct contact. Swelling and hardening of lymph nodes in the inner thighs and groin is also common. The sore will last for 1-5 weeks, after which it will heal naturally, even without treatment. Note that the person can easily pass the bacteria on to sex partners in this stage.

 

Secondary stage: About 6 weeks to 3 months after the chancre has healed, a rash frequently appears. The rash may cover any part of the body, but tends to appear on the palms or soles of the feet. It does not itch. Multiple painless lesions may also form in mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and on the bones and internal organs. At this time, the disease is highly infectious, because bacteria are present in the secretions from the lesions. The rash usually heals without treatment within 2 to 6 weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, headache, neck ache, joint pain, malaise, and patches of hair loss. Note that a significant number of patients do not develop symptoms at this stage of the disease.

 

Latent stage: This stage follows the secondary stage. Although there may be no apparent symptoms, there remains a risk of passing the infection through sexual contact. It can last 3–30 years and may or may not progress to the final / tertiary stage.

 

Tertiary stage: The final stage, aka. late syphilis, may set in a few years or even a few decades after infection. In this stage, organs like the heart, eye, bones and central nervous system may be damaged by the bacteria, resulting in blindness, cardiovascular diseases, neurological and mental illness, physical disability or even death.

 

How is syphilis treated?

 

Syphilis is curable. In its primary and secondary stages, syphilis can be cured more easily, with the use of antibotic treatment, e.g. penicillin. (Note that you must have blood tests to ensure full recovery.) For later stages of syphilis, the period of antibiotic treatment would be longer.

 

How can syphilis be prevented?

 

Try to avoid unprotected sex and always use a condom. When you notice sores or rashes on a client’s body, be careful and avoid doing business with him/her if necessary.