All you need to know about syphilis
Credit: Getty Images
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that's often misunderstood and sometimes missed altogether.
Yet, it's making a comeback globally, including in India.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It spreads mainly through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also pass from a pregnant mother to her baby.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis progresses in four stages — primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Each stage has different symptoms, and the disease becomes more serious if left untreated.
The primary stage usually begins with a single, painless sore (called a chancre) on the genitals, anus, or mouth. Because it doesn't hurt, many people don't notice it.
The First Sign: A Painless Sore
The sore may go away on its own, but the infection doesn't. In the secondary stage, rashes, fever, sore throat, and swollen glands may appear. After that, syphilis can silently enter the latent stage, with no symptoms at all.
If untreated, syphilis can reach the tertiary stage years later, damaging organs like the heart, brain, liver, and bones, causing paralysis, blindness, or even death.
Syphilis is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. If you've had unprotected sex or notice symptoms, it's important to get tested, even if you feel fine.
The good news? Syphilis is easily treatable with antibiotics, usually a single injection of penicillin in early stages. Later stages may require more doses.
Using condoms, getting regular STI check-ups, and limiting the number of sexual partners can reduce the risk of infection. Pregnant women should be screened early in pregnancy.
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