HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT SYPHILIS

HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT SYPHILIS

 

Many people have #syphilis but don’t know. They keep spreading it to others through kisses, sex, etc.

We are seeing more cases of complicated syphilis in hospitals recently. But it can be treated and prevented. Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection, STI.

That means you get it mainly from having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex!

That’s why syphilis is spreading most rapidly among our sexually active ladies and guys.
Syphilis is caused by this tiny spiral germ called Treponema palladium and can be spread from infected mother to fetus in the womb, through blood transfusion and wounds that came into contact with infected wound, For example, kissing a person with an infected mouth wound egdb you have a wound in your mouth.

Syphilis symptoms are usually so similar to many other diseases that it can be extremely difficult for people to know they have syphilis.

In fact, syphilis is sometimes called “The Great Imitator” because it’s symptoms can mimic those of many other diseases!

Also, the signs & symptoms of syphilis will depend on the stage of the disease.

The stage can be;
– primary
– secondary
– latent, or
– tertiary

An infected person will likely go through these 4 stages if no treatment is given.

In Primary syphilis, there may be a single, firm, painless, non-itchy wound called #Chancre.

It usually appears on the site where you got the infection, e.g. in your PENIS, VULVA or MOUTH, & is about 1 to 2cm wide.
Also, there may be multiple sores & loss of hair (alopecia)

In Secondary syphilis, you have a #rash, often in your palms & soles.

The rash is incredibly itchy. You’ll be scratching it like mad!

Some broad based elevated #plagues (called Condylomata lata) may also occur.

In fact, there may be sores all over your mouth, vagina or penis.

Over time, Syphilis enters the latent phase.

Here there are few or no symptoms and this can last for years.

Sadly, people with latent syphilis can still spread the disease if they have unprotected sex!

Hence, spread of syphilis during this phase is QUITE COMMON! Beware!

The last stage, Tertiary syphilis, affects organs.

In this stage, there are soft, non-cancerous growths called #gummas. If these gummas grow In your;

• Brain or nerves = Neurosyphilis.
• Heart = Heart failure
• Bone = Destructive bone disease
• Liver = Hepatitis

Neurosyphilis can also make you have frequent headaches, numbness in your toes, feet, confusion, depression, inability to walk well and poor sleep . You might even become blind & lack ability to control your urine like a little baby.

In males, syphilis can affect the tube that carries sperm from the testis outside (Syphilitic epididymitis)

If this occurs, your sperm tube might become swollen & blocked, leading to #infertility.

Syphilis can affect many other systems & organs especially if not treated.

The good news is that Syphilis can be treated with penicillins at the right doses.

But you must ensure that your sexual partner(s) is/are also treated! Otherwise you can be re-infected.

Make sure you see your doctor together with your partner!

To prevent Syphilis, pls practices #SafeSex:

1. Use condoms
2. Don’t share sex toys or needles
3. Use latex dental dam or condoms in oral sex
4. Screen for STIs & discuss results with your partner before sex.
5. If infected, see your doctor!

Syphilis is very common, so test for syphilis in your regular health checkup.

Get tested;
• RIGHT NOW if you have symptoms
• Once a year if you have a small number of sexual partners
• Once every 3 months if you have many sexual partners

If you test +ve to syphilis, I advise you to get tested for HIV and hepatitis also.

Studies have shown that having syphilis may increase your chances of getting other STI’s like HIV and viral hepatitis.

Content gotten from @FirstDoctor.

author
Abass Latifat Olamide is an undergraduate student of English Language at the Lagos State University. She is an extrovert by nature and admires hard work and consistency. Follow her on Twitter @Lartholomo,Instagram@Lartholomo,FB page@AbassLatifatOlamide.

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