logo

Syphilis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment: What Are the Stages and How to Stop It Before It Spreads

MaNaDr2021-09-07
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • facebook
  • pinterest

Syphilis is a complex and highly contagious sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Often called “the great imitator” due to its ability to mimic other diseases, syphilis progresses through distinct stages, each with its own set of syphilis symptoms. If left untreated syphilis can lead to severe and irreversible damage to major organs, including the brain, heart, and nerves.

1. What Is Syphilis and How Does It Spread?

1.1. What Is Syphilis?

Often referred to as a “transmitted disease syphilis” or “syphilis sex disease,” it progresses through distinct stages if left untreated, starting with a localized infection that can then spread throughout the bloodstream. This systemic nature means syphilis can impact virtually any organ in the body, which is why understanding “what is syphilis caused by” – the specific bacterium Treponema pallidum – is vital. Knowing that syphilis bacteria is the root cause emphasizes the need for antibiotic treatment.

1.2. How Does It Spread?

Understanding how is syphilis transmitted is key to prevention. The primary mode of syphilis transmission is direct contact with a syphilis sore (called a chancre) during sexual activity. This direct contact can occur during:

The bacteria can enter the body through minor cuts or abrasions in the skin or mucous membranes.

Can you get syphilis from kissing?

For those wondering “can you get syphilis from kissing?” the answer is: while less common than sexual intercourse, syphilis can be transmitted through deep or open-mouthed kissing if a chancre is present on the lips or in the mouth of the infected person. However, casual contact like hugging, sharing food, or using toilet seats does not spread syphilis. The bacteria cannot survive for long outside the human body, so direct, intimate contact with a sore is necessary.

How else is syphilis transmitted?

Beyond direct sexual contact, syphilis can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This is known as congenital syphilis and can have severe, life-threatening consequences for the newborn, including developmental delays, bone deformities, and other serious health problems. It’s crucial for pregnant individuals to be screened and treated if infected. For those asking “how do you get syphilis” or “how do you catch syphilis,” it is almost exclusively through these direct routes of transmission involving contact with a syphilis sore or from mother to child.

1.3. How Common is Syphilis?

Syphilis has seen a concerning resurgence in recent years, highlighting its persistent threat to public health. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after decades of decline, syphilis rates in the United States have been increasing dramatically.

Most alarmingly, rates of congenital syphilis—when syphilis is passed from a pregnant person to their baby – have also surged, reaching over 3,700 cases in 2022, leading to preventable stillbirths and infant deaths. This stark rise underscores the critical importance of early screening and treatment during pregnancy (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). These numbers emphasize why understanding what is syphilis and its transmission is more crucial now than ever.

2. What Are the Symptoms of Syphilis in Men and Women?

The syphilis stages dictate the progression of syphilis symptoms, which can be subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions. Recognizing these symptoms of syphilis is crucial for early detection and treatment. The phrase “symptoms from syphilis” encompasses a wide range of manifestations, from initial sores to widespread rashes and internal damage.

2.1. Early Stage Syphilis: The Primary Symptoms

The first indication of syphilis is typically a chancre, which appears during the primary syphilis stage. This is often the first sign syphilis presents.

If you notice any unusual sores or syphilis bumps on your genitals, anus, or mouth, even if they’re painless, it’s vital to get them checked.

2.2. Syphilis Symptoms: A Gendered Comparison

The presentation of syphilis symptoms can vary in location and ease of detection between men and women, especially in the early stages. The table below compares the key manifestations:

Expert Insight: A common myth regarding syphilis symptoms is that “you’ll always know if you have syphilis because its sores or rashes are very painful and obvious.” Public health experts caution that the crucial fact is the primary syphilis chancre is typically painless and can develop in hidden areas (like the rectum, cervix, or deep in the throat), making it easily missed. Furthermore, the secondary syphilis rash might not itch and can mimic various other skin conditions, leading to misdiagnosis. This “great imitator” nature of syphilis means many individuals progress through early stages unaware, underscoring why testing after potential exposure, regardless of symptoms, is vital.

If you’re unsure about any unusual sores, rashes, or other potential signs and symptoms of syphilis disease, it’s important to seek medical advice. MaNaDr offers a discreet and convenient way to consult with doctors about your health concerns, helping you clarify what might be going on without delay.

3.  Syphilis Stages: What It Looks Like and What Happens If Untreated

3.1. Primary Syphilis: The Deceptive Chancre

The hallmark of primary syphilis is the chancre, which is the initial syphilis sore that develops at the site where the bacteria entered the body. Its visual presentation is key, but often misleading:

3.2. Secondary Syphilis: The Widespread (and Non-Itchy) Rash and Other Visible Signs

Approximately 2 to 10 weeks after the initial chancre appears (or even as it’s healing), the secondary syphilis stage begins, characterized by a more widespread presentation of visual and systemic symptoms. The syphilis rash is the most common visual manifestation in this stage:

3.3. Latent Syphilis: The Hidden Stage (Visually Absent)

Following the secondary stage, syphilis enters the latent syphilis stage. During this period, there are typically no visible symptoms of syphilis or signs. The infection remains in the body but is inactive.

3.4. Tertiary (Late) Syphilis: The Destructive Final Stage

This is the most severe stage, developing in about 15-30% of individuals whose syphilis is not treated. Untreated syphilis at this stage can be devastating, causing irreversible damage to vital organs.

3.5. Congenital Syphilis: Transmission to Newborns

This occurs when syphilis is passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth. It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or severe health problems in newborns, including bone deformities, severe anemia, liver and spleen enlargement, jaundice, brain damage, and developmental delays. Early syphilis screening and syphilis treatment during pregnancy are critical to prevent this tragic outcome.

4. Is Syphilis Curable? What Treatments Are Available and How to Get Rid of It

A vital question for anyone diagnosed with or concerned about this infection is “is syphilis curable?” The answer is a resounding yes, especially when detected and treated early. Syphilis medication is highly effective at eliminating the bacteria and halting the disease’s progression.

4.1. Is Syphilis Curable?

Yes, syphilis is curable with appropriate antibiotics. The good news is that prompt and proper syphilis treatment can completely get rid of syphilis, particularly in its primary, secondary, and early latent stages. Even in late latent syphilis or tertiary syphilis, treatment can prevent further damage, though existing organ damage cannot always be reversed. This means syphilis is treatable, and an effective cure for syphilis exists

4.2. Syphilis Treatment Options

How to treat syphilis primarily involves antibiotics. The specific syphilis treatment regimen depends on the stage of the infection.

4.3. Important Considerations During Treatment

If you are concerned about syphilis treatment or need to discuss follow-up care, MaNaDr offers a discreet and convenient platform. You can connect with online doctors 24/7 for expert consultations and personalized guidance on the best approach for your specific situation.

5. How do you prevent syphilis?

5.1. Risk Factors

Certain factors significantly increase an individual’s susceptibility to contracting syphilis or other STIs. Recognizing these is the first step in prevention:

5.2. How do you prevent syphilis?

Preventing syphilis primarily involves adopting safer sexual practices and regular health screening. Here are the most effective strategies:

Expert Insight: A common myth is that “using a condom guarantees complete protection from syphilis.” While condoms are highly effective and essential for safer sex, public health guidance emphasizes the fact that syphilis can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) that is located in an area not covered by the condom, such as the inner thigh, scrotum (if the condom only covers the penis), or around the anus. This underscores that while condoms are your best defense, comprehensive prevention includes regular testing and open communication, particularly because the primary chancre is often painless and hidden.

Conclusion

Syphilis is a serious, yet treatable, sexually transmitted infection that demands awareness and proactive management. Understanding what is syphilis, its progression through distinct syphilis stages, and the varied syphilis symptoms—from the often-missed syphilis chancre to the tell-tale syphilis rash—is paramount. While the infection can lead to devastating, irreversible consequences if left untreated syphilis, the good news is that is syphilis curable with appropriate syphilis medication, particularly in its early stages.

Don’t let uncertainty or embarrassment prevent you from seeking timely care. Early detection and complete syphilis treatment are your best defense against its progression. MaNaDr is here to empower you with immediate access to qualified doctors through our AI-powered teleconsultation platform, ensuring you can connect with the right specialist 24/7. Take control of your sexual health journey today and get rid of syphilis effectively.


Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.


References

Consult Doctors Online
If you have any health related issues that you would like to address, please consult our trusted providers.
Copyright © 2025 by Mobile-Health Network Solutions.