What Are the Stages of Syphilis?

Introduction:

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria known as Treponema Pallidum. The proportion of women with Syphilis has been declining in the United States, but the rate among men, particularly men who have sex with men, has been increasing. 

Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose. Someone can have it without showing any signs for years. However, the earlier it is detected, the better and easy it is to cure. If it remains untreated for a long period than can cause major damage to important organs, like the heart and brain. That is why, it is crucial to do Syphilis testing the moment you notice any Symptom.

Do I have Syphilis? 

The first symptom of syphilis is a small, painless sore. It can arrive on the sexual organs, rectum, or inside the mouth. This sore is called a Chancre. People often fail to notice it proper away. Syphilis is only spread by direct contact with syphilitic chancres. It can’t be spread by sharing a toilet with another person, wearing another person’s clothes, or using another person’s eating utensils. 

Stages of Syphilis:

It has four stages, Primary, Secondary, Latent, and Tertiary.

1.Primary Stage:

The primary stage of syphilis occurs around three to four weeks after a person contracted to the bacteria. It starts with a small, round sore called a Chancre. It is painless but it’s extremely infectious. This sore may develop wherever the bacteria entered the body, such as on or inside the mouth, genitals, or rectum. On average, the sore shows up around three weeks after infection, but it can take 10 to 90 days to appear. The sore lasts for anywhere between two to six weeks. Syphilis is spread by direct contact with a sore. This usually happens during sexual activity, including oral sex.

2.Secondary Stage:

Skin rashes and a severe throat may develop during the second stage of syphilis. The rash won’t itch and it usually found on the palms and soles but it may occur anywhere on the body. Some people don’t notice the rash before it goes off. Other signs of secondary syphilis are such as headaches, fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, hair loss, and aching joints. These symptoms will go away whether or not treatment is taken. However, without treatment a person still has syphilis.

3.Latent Stage:

The third stage of syphilis is the latent stage. The primary and secondary symptoms disappear and there won’t be any noticeable symptoms at this stage. However, the bacteria remain in the body. This stage could last for years before progressing to the tertiary stage.

4.Tertiary Stage:

The last stage of syphilis infection is the tertiary stage. It can occur years or decades after the initial infection. This stage can be life-threatening. Some other potential outcomes of tertiary stage include are blindness, deafness, mental illness, memory loss, destruction of soft tissue and bone, neurological disorders, and heart disease.

If you have any doubt that you might have caught this hazardous infection, test yourself now with a DIY test for Syphilis – a Syphilis rapid test kit manufactured under strict quality controls at Head Start Testing. This easy to use kit gives precise and accurate results in the comfort of your own home.