No More Hush: Your Guide to Syphilis Causes, Symptoms & More!

Syphilis is a common yet—more often than not—overlooked health concern. It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Treponema pallidum (a bacterium) and can result in serious health consequences when left unattended. The disease is also called “The Great Pretender” due to Syphilis symptoms that are known for mimicking several other diseases, making proactive treatment a must. 

The B for ‘Bacteria’ & Common Syphilis Causes

The foundation for all Syphilis causes is set by the bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It enters the body typically during sexual contact, marking its way through abrasions or small cuts on the skin or mucous membranes. Here are the common Syphilis causes or the ways this bacteria spreads in the body:

• Sexual contact: Sexual engagement is the most common of Syphilis causes; the disease is transmitted through unprotected vagina/anal or oral sex with an infected person.
• Mother-to-child transmission: A pregnant woman with Syphilis can also pass the infection to her baby during pregnancy or labour, which can lead to congenital syphilis.
• Direct contact with syphilitic sores: The infection can also spread when the person engages with syphilitic sores; these are often located on external genitals or mouth.

While these are the primary Syphilis causes, it is just as important to note that the disease is not transmitted through casual contact like sharing food, holding hands, hugging or using the same toilet seats.

Stage-by-Stage Syphilis Symptoms

Syphilis progresses in four stages, namely: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary. It is crucial to keep in mind that Syphilis symptoms vary from stage to stage—and can also appear distinctly. Let’s understand each one of the stages and the symptoms associated with it.

Primary Stage

This is the first stage of syphilis, where the infection starts establishing itself in the body. The initial syphilis symptoms include a single, painless sore (known as chancre) on genitals, anus or mouth. This sore is often painless and one might mistake the same for a pimple.

Secondary Stage

In the secondary stage, the syphilis symptoms are more visible and noticeable as the infection starts spreading throughout the body. Here’s what it can lead to:

• Skin rash
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat 
• Mucous membrane lesions
• Muscle aches 

Latent Stage

The latent stage is often hidden, with no syphilis symptoms in sight; however, the bacteria is still there in the body and it can potentially give rise to complications in the future. 

Tertiary Stage

The last and the most severe stage is called tertiary, which occurs years after the initial infection when left untreated. The syphilis symptoms during this stage are a bit too critical, and include:

• Vision and/or hearing loss
• Neurological complications
• Heart problems 
• Severe damage to organs 

Syphilis Diagnosis

Early diagnosis of syphilis symptoms can help prevent long-term complications. Here’s what Syphilis diagnosis looks like:

• Physical examination: Detection of any visible sores or rashes.
• Blood tests: Diagnosis for any antibodies that the body might produce to fight the infection. The most common tests for VDRL screening and RPR test. 
• Fluid examination: Test for the fluid on a syphilitic sore which backs Treponema pallidum.

Syphilis Treatment Practices

Syphilis symptoms can be treated effectively with the help of antibiotics. Here’s what syphilis treatment involves:

• Early-stage treatment: A single dose of penicillin is usually sufficient for syphilis treatment at early stages, i.e., primary and secondary.
• Late-stage treatment: Multiple doses of penicillin are often required for advanced syphilis treatment at severe stages.
• Follow-up and blood tests: Regular follow-ups (typically RPR and VDRL blood tests) are a part of syphilis treatment, which helps ensure that the bacteria is completely removed from the body.

Note, individuals that are allergic to penicillin may be prescribed alternative antibiotics. Doctor consultation is advisable for syphilis treatment at any stage.

Handy Tips to Prevent Syphilis

Avoiding syphilis causes at all costs is the best way to manage the disease! Here are some practices that you can adopt to maintain distance with bacteria Treponema pallidum:

• Practise safe sex
• Limit sexual partners
• Go for routine screening
• Say NO to sharing needles in any way
• Ensure Syphilis screening during pregnancy

By keeping these little things in mind, you can prevent Syphilis causes for good. 

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Key Takeway

There are two aspects to understanding Syphilis meaning: a) You acknowledge that it is a serious condition; b) You rest assured that it is preventreatable. While being mindful during sexual contact and routine checkups can lower the scope for bacteria  Treponema pallidum to be transmitted, timely RPR and VDRL screening can help eliminate Syphilis causes.

For added peace of mind through health conditions and treatment, keeping health insurance plays out to be a major deal. A comprehensive health insurance plan ensures you access the best treatment–right from diagnosis to medication–and burn no hole in your pocket too. And for the rest, keeping a check on a healthy lifestyle is the key.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.