Syphilis is a s**ually transmitted infection that poses serious health risks and can even be fatal if left untreated.

Despite the wealth of information available about syphilis, cases of this infection are on the rise.

In this article, we will delve into the potential harmful effects that syphilis can have on the body, how it spreads from person to person, and the available treatment options for those who contract the infection.

Additionally, we will discuss who should consider getting tested for syphilis.

Brace yourself for an eye-opening exploration of this topic.

The culprit behind syphilis is a bacterium called Treponema pallidum, which belongs to a group of bacteria known as spirochetes.

These bacteria have a distinctive coiled or spiraled structure.

Syphilis is most commonly transmitted during s**ual intercourse when there is direct contact with an infectious lesion.

These infectious lesions are typically found on the skin of the genital area.

It is important to note that syphilis can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, leading to infection in the unborn child.

This is why it is recommended for pregnant women or those planning to conceive to undergo syphilis testing.

It is worth mentioning that some individuals can be asymptomatic carriers of the infection, meaning they may not even be aware that they are infected.

We will further explore who else should consider getting tested for syphilis later in this article.

Within three to 90 days of initial infection, a person will develop a small bump or papule, usually on the genitals such as the p-nis or vulva.

This papule will eventually open up and form an ulcer, known as a chancre.

Chancres are highly infectious due to the large number of treponemes they contain.

Therefore, it is strongly advised to avoid s**ual intercourse with individuals who have chancres.

This stage of syphilis, characterized by the presence of chancres, is known as primary syphilis and is when the infection is most likely to spread from person to person.

You might wonder how someone could transmit the infection during this stage without noticing the chancre.

Well, there are certain factors to consider that increase the likelihood of transmission.

Firstly, chancres are painless, which means many individuals may not seek medical attention or even realize they have an infection.

Secondly, chancres typically heal on their own within three to six weeks without any treatment.

Thirdly, although chancres are visible, their location on the genital area may vary, making them less noticeable.

Lastly, chancres can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, vaginal canal, and anus.

In these locations, the lesions may be harder to detect.

The transmission of syphilis to these areas depends on the type of s**ual activity engaged in.

Around a few weeks after the development of chancres, approximately 25% of untreated individuals will progress to secondary syphilis.

During this stage, the infection becomes more systemic, spreading throughout the body and manifesting in various signs and symptoms.

Common symptoms of secondary syphilis include fever, sore throat, headache, malaise, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and patches of hair loss.

The hallmark sign of secondary syphilis is a rash that can take different forms.

Typically, it presents as a diffuse, symmetric, maculopapular rash affecting the entire torso and extremities, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Interestingly, like primary syphilis, secondary syphilis usually resolves without treatment.

After this stage, individuals enter a latent phase of the disease, where they remain asymptomatic.

Latent syphilis can persist for several years or even indefinitely.

However, if left untreated, 25 to 40% of those with latent syphilis may progress to tertiary syphilis, which is the most severe stage and can be fatal.

Tertiary syphilis can develop anywhere from 1 to 30 years after the initial infection.

During this stage, the infection can cause damage to cardiovascular structures, such as the heart and blood vessels.

The aorta, the largest artery in the human body, can be particularly affected, leading to aortic damage and even a leaky aortic valve, which can result in left-sided heart failure.

Tertiary syphilis can also cause the formation of growths called gummas on the skin, bones, and internal organs.