Syphilis Testing

Syphilis is a sexual transmitted disease that is caused by a bacterium called treponema pallidum. Syphilis is contracted when direct skin-to-skin contact occurs between skin and a syphilis sore. Throughout history, Syphilis has often been referred to as ‘the great imitator’ because its symptoms mimic those of many other diseases and conditions.
In most cases, Syphilis manifests itself through sores which are typically found on the external genitals, vagina, penis, rectum, lips, and mouth. Syphilis can be contracted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Although many people do not show any signs of Syphilis for years, it become more dangerous the more time it is left un-treated.
Syphilis has three stages: Primary, Secondary, and Late/latent.
Primary: Usually this stage begins with a single sore (but there can be more than one) that is firm, round, small and painless. This sore will occur in the place that Syphilis entered the body and will go away within 3-6 weeks without treatment. If the sore remains untreated, Syphilis will progress to the secondary stage.
Secondary: The secondary stage is marked by a rash and lesions on mucous membranes. A rash on one or more areas that does not itch is usually the indicator that this secondary stage has begun. In addition to these rashes, other symptoms of secondary stage syphilis include: fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headaches, hair loss, fatigue, muscle aches, and weight loss. Again, the symptoms of this stage will go away if treated or untreated, but left untreated Syphilis will progress to the last stage.
Late/Latent: During this stage both primary and secondary symptoms disappear. This stage can occur 10-20 years after Syphilis was contracted. Late stages of Syphilis can cause severe damage to internal organs, including the eyes, brain, heart, liver, bones, joints and nerves. Signs of the latest stage of Syphilis include numbness, dementia, gradual blindness, paralysis, and difficulty coordinating muscle movements.
Syphilis testing is done through a blood test and is a fast and non-invasive procedure. Syphilis antibodies can be detected in the blood and treatment will be successful if caught in the early stages. Usually one intramuscular injection of penicillin is enough to cure Syphilis in someone who has had it less than a year.
Syphilis testing is necessary for all sexually active individuals.

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