What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The infection progresses in several stages and can lead to serious health problems without treatment. Syphilis can be transmitted through sexual contact, as well as from mother to child during pregnancy.

How does syphilis occur?

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The infection spreads through direct contact with a syphilis ulcer, usually during vaginal, anal or oral sex. The bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes or small wounds in the skin.

Besides sexual transmission, syphilis can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, leading to serious complications such as congenital syphilis.

What happens if syphilis is not treated?

Without treatment, syphilis goes through three stages:

1. Primary syphilis: This starts with one or more painless sores (chancres) at the site of infection, such as the genitals, anus or mouth. These disappear on their own, but the bacteria remain active in the body.
2. Secondary syphilis: A few weeks to months later, a rash may appear, often on the palms and soles of the feet, along with flu-like symptoms such as fever and fatigue.
3. Latent and tertiary syphilis: Without treatment, the bacteria remain dormant in the body. In some cases, syphilis can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, nerves and other organs after years.

Tertiary syphilis can lead to blindness, paralysis, dementia and heart problems. Therefore, early detection and treatment is crucial.

How do you know if you have syphilis?

Syphilis can be asymptomatic at first, meaning that many people do not realise immediately that they are infected. The only way to know for sure if you have syphilis is to take a syphilis test. This can be done through a blood test at your doctor’s office or a reliable syphilis self-test for home use.

Conclusion

Syphilis is a serious but treatable STI. The bacterium Treponema pallidum causes the infection, which develops in several stages. Because syphilis often causes few or mild symptoms at first, regular STI testing is recommended in cases of unprotected sexual contact. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications.

Have you had unprotected sex or suspect a syphilis infection? Get tested to get certainty.

Syfilis test

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