Syphilis
BY: Heetanshi Joshi
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacteria called spirochete.
Transmission
Syphilis can be passed from one person to another by direct contact with a syphilis sore during sexual intercourse. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Primary Syphilis-Stage 1
- Sores called chancre develop but do not hurt.
Secondary Syphilis-Stage 2
- Breaking out into a rash
- Fever
- Achiness
Latent (hidden) Syphilis-Stage 3
- Sores cannot be seen but the spirochetes are still over the body.
Tertiary Syphilis-Stage 4
- Difficult walking
- Affects the brain, spinal cord, heart, and bones.
- Numbness
- Gradual blindness
Treatment
To treat Syphilis see a doctor or gynecologist and take a blood test for signs of infection. You can also take antibiotics given by your doctor.
Problems
Some problems can be having difficulty walking, having a greater chance of getting HIV infections, and even death.
Prevention
To prevent Syphilis, you should not have unprotected sex.