Syphilis

Syphilis, a disease caused by the Treponema pallidum bacterium and is transmitted by having sexual intercourse with an infected partner.
Syphilis is a serious sexually transmitted disease; if left untreated, it can cause various complications and even death.

There are three different stages of syphilis and symptoms are similar for both men and women.

     § Primary stage (10-90 days after contact):

        。A painless sore (called a chancre) appears at the site of infection approximately 10-90 days after exposure to the bacteria. The sore may appear on any part of the body, but usually manifests on the penis or vulva. Sometimes the sore will not be noticed, especially in women, as it may be hidden inside the vagina.

     § Secondary stage (6-8 weeks after chancre):

        。During this time, a person may develop a non-itchy rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, the belly or on the genitals. There may also be some flu-like symptoms.
        。Symptoms during this stage may go away without treatment. However, this does not mean that the patient has been cured. In fact, the bacteria are still latent inside the body.
        。Latent stage →There may be no symptoms at all.

     § Tertiary stage (Several months to years later):

        。The bacteria will gradually affect the patient’s brain, spinal cord and heart, causing blindness, paralysis, and even death.
        。Regardless of the stage of the disease, improper treatment of the disease in pregnant woman can lead to its spread to the unborn fetus, resulting in serious consequences.

Practicing safe sex is the best way to reduce the risk of contracting syphilis:
    。Have sexual relations with only one partner who is not infected and who is likewise only having sexual relations with you、
    。Use condoms in the correct manner、
    。Be warned that condoms cannot provide complete protection if the syphilis sores are on areas not covered by a condom.

If you think you have syphilis, you need to be examined by a doctor. The only way to know for sure is through a microscopic examination of a sore sample or through blood tests. In addition, persons with whom you have had sexual contact should also be tested for the disease.

At any time during the first two stages, syphilis can be treated with a complete and full course of antibiotics. After treatment, you must take blood tests to ensure a full recovery.
Do not have sex until two weeks after you and your partner have completed the treatment.
The treatment period for tertiary syphilis may be longer. Your sexual partner(s) may also need treatment depending on the degree of exposure and stage of the infection. Please discuss this issue with your doctor.