|
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is caused by Spirochetal bacterium treponeme palladium- a bacteria which looks like a spiral figure. Generally, it is transmitted through unsafe sex. It can be transmitted through oral, anal or vaginal sex. Syphilis can occur in both men and women. However, a mother to her unborn child can also transmit it. The history of Syphilis dates back to 13th or 14th century. Its detection was difficult and was often confused to be some other disease. Syphilis is also known as THE GREAT IMITATOR because its symptoms can easily pass as some other disease. The disease can be divided into five stages.
Stage I: A scar appears within a period of 10 to 90 days of having unsafe sex. Penis, rectum or vagina can get affected. Generally stage 1 syphilis goes unnoticed by the patients, as there is no pain or any other symptom. It may get cured on its own with four to six weeks, else a swelling may appear on the lymph node. It cannot be transmitted via any other medium say by eating in the same utensil as the infected person, or by sharing a towel or any other contact other than the sexual contact.
Stage II: After a period of about six months of the stage I infection, a rash develops on the infected skin. There is no itching. The rash develops on palms or on soles of the feet. It may appear and spread in the area where there is moisture. The patient may show signs of fever; weight loss, headache .In very rare cases, meningitis, hepatitis or renal disease signs may be seen. The disease is contagious at this stage.
Stage III: Stage III syphilis is having infection for about two years. There are no visible symptoms of the disease.
Stage IV: This stage comes after about 10 years from the time the disease was first contacted. Soft tumors appear on any part of the body. If proper care and treatment is not taken at this time, it may result in Neurosyphilis.
Stage V: Termed as Neurosyphilis, this affects the brain and the Central Nervous System of the patient. It can lead to many other complications like cardio vascular problems, sensation loss, emotional imbalance, being hyperactive etc.
When syphilis is transmitted from a mother to her unborn baby, there are chances of baby being still born or the baby would die shortly after birth. A special type of microscope is used to identify syphilis. This sores or lesions are viewed through the microscope to determine syphilis. A person suffering from syphilis can easily contact HIV sexually.
Treatment: Syphilis is easily treated by a single dose of penicillin injection in the muscles if detected early. But the symptoms are such that the disease is difficult to identify in early stages. If syphilis is not treated completely, it may affect the brain, heart, eyes or bones. Safe sex and limiting the sexual activity with one partner are the best solution to avoid syphilis.
Women Health Products
|
