![](https://www.plusonline.nl/sites/plusonline/files/styles/pol_carousel/public/istock_000057965448_large.jpg?itok=zvyuze8k)
Sometimes even brain damage as a result
The history books are full of this STD. Yet more is still being known about it today. At first glance it seems like an annoying ailment, but in reality syphilis can grow into a merciless disease.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The disease starts with an infection of the penis, vagina, anus or (less commonly) the mouth. Eventually, other organs can also become infected and damaged.
Any form of sexual contact can cause infection, so safe sex is important to prevent syphilis. However, kissing can also cause infection if there is a syphilis ulcer on the lips or in the mouth. You can even become infected through indirect contact (small chance), for example by exchanging sex toys immediately after use. The chance that you will contract syphilis from the toilet seat is extremely small.
Different stages
A syphilis infection manifests itself in different stages. Two to twelve weeks after the infection, ulcers of up to one centimeter in size develop. These sores are hard to the touch and usually do not hurt. You hardly notice them, especially if they are in your mouth, anus or vagina. Sometimes spots also appear on the skin and you can suffer from swollen lymph nodes.
Two to three weeks later, the sores disappear and you may experience the following symptoms:
- spots all over the body, especially on your hands and feet
-
flu symptoms, such as headache and fatigue
- hair loss
- eye complaints with risk of loss of vision
The disappearance of the sores does not mean that the infection has also disappeared. Without treatment, the disease spreads through your bloodstream through your body. You often end up in a slumber period. You don’t notice it, but the bacteria are still in your body and you remain contagious to others.
This can cause very serious complications. Two to thirty years after infection, you can enter the third stage of the disease. This causes inflammation and damage in almost all organs, for example in your heart, brain, skin and bones.
Syphilis or something else?
Some of the symptoms of syphilis resemble those of other STIs, such as gonorrhea. The sores and spots that can develop are to be confused with other types of rashes. If in doubt, always get tested, if you are not treated on time, the consequences can be serious.
Directly to the doctor
If you suspect that you have contracted syphilis, see your doctor immediately. They can take a swab from a sore or do a blood test to see if you actually have a syphilis infection.
Treatable well
Syphilis is treatable. Your doctor will give you one or more injections of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In the past, the treatment was painful, with many side effects. Today, the treatment is almost painless.
It is better not to have sex for a while during the treatment. Condoms are not 100 percent safe with this STI. After the treatment, your doctor will check with a test whether you have really got rid of it. Sometimes you have to come back for two years for these checks. Only then can you have safe sexual contact again. Always let your sex partner(s) know that you have syphilis.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Syphilis is no more harmful to pregnant women than to women who are not carrying a child, but the unborn child does run the risk of becoming ill. In the worst case, it can even die.
Breastfeeding when you are infected with syphilis is not recommended. In principle, breast milk is safe, but if the bacteria is present on or around the nipple, your baby can also become infected.