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Getting treated for syphilis has never been easier. Book an online appointment and connect with a trusted doctor from home. They’ll guide you through every step, from diagnosis to treatment, with care and confidentiality. Take action today.

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With Mobi Doctor, syphilis treatment online is quick and reliable. Talk to a doctor who will create a personalised plan using proven methods like antibiotics. Receive the treatment you need to feel healthy again, all from the comfort of your home.

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Facing syphilis alone can be tough. With syphilis treatment online, experienced professionals will listen and offer effective solutions. You’ll get the guidance and support you deserve to manage and overcome your condition discreetly and comfortably.

Medically Reviewed

By

Chrysoula I. Liakou

MD, PhD, Internal Medicine Specialist and
Cancer Immunology Researcher.

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It spreads when a person has vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection. The tricky part is that syphilis can be in your body for a long time without showing any symptoms, making it easy to pass to others unknowingly.

 

Syphilis develops in stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. In the early stages, you might get painless sores on your skin, rashes, or feel like you have the flu. If left untreated, syphilis can go into a hidden phase with no symptoms, but the infection is still there. Over time, it can cause severe damage to the heart, brain, nerves, and other organs, which can be life-threatening.

 

Pregnant people can pass syphilis to their unborn babies, which is very serious. The infection can harm the baby and even cause death in some cases.

 

The good news is that syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, like penicillin, especially if caught early. Treatment can stop the infection and prevent serious problems. However, any damage done to organs in later stages might be permanent. Seeing a doctor early and telling your partners if you have syphilis helps stop the spread and keep everyone safer.

Syphilis Symptoms

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that unfolds in stages, each with distinct symptoms. It can be hard to notice in the early stages, but recognising the signs is crucial for seeking treatment and preventing complications. Here’s a breakdown of common symptoms at each stage:

  • Primary Stage:

    • Painless, firm, round sore (chancre) at the infection site, often on the genitals, anus, mouth, or lips

    • The chancre may heal within three to six weeks without treatment, but the infection persists

  • Secondary Stage:

    • Rash that doesn’t itch, often appearing on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

    • Flu-like symptoms: fever, sore throat, fatigue, muscle aches, and headaches

    • Swollen lymph nodes

    • Patchy hair loss, which may affect the scalp, eyebrows, or beard

    • Sores in moist areas such as the mouth, genitals, or armpits

    • Weight loss and overall tiredness

  • Latent Stage:

    • No visible symptoms, but the bacteria remain active in the body

    • It can last for years, and the infection may still be contagious in the early part of this stage

  • Tertiary (Late-Stage) Syphilis:

    • Damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and nerves

    • Potential symptoms include muscle weakness, memory problems, vision loss, heart issues, and gummas (rubbery growths on skin or organs)

Seek medical help promptly if you suspect syphilis to avoid severe complications.

Syphilis Causes

Syphilis is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It spreads mainly through direct contact with a sore from an infected person. These sores usually show up on body parts like the genitals, anus, mouth, or lips. You can get syphilis by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has it. Even if the sore doesn’t hurt or is hard to see, it can still spread the bacteria.

 

Syphilis can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or birth. This is called congenital syphilis, and it can be very dangerous for the baby. Babies can get infected through the mother’s bloodstream or if they touch a sore during delivery.

 

It’s important to know that you cannot catch syphilis from everyday activities. The bacteria can’t survive long outside the body, so you won’t get it from things like toilet seats, doorknobs, or sharing food and drinks with someone who has syphilis.

 

Although it’s very rare, syphilis could spread through blood transfusions. Luckily, donated blood is continuously tested to make sure it’s safe. Once someone with syphilis is treated and the sores heal, they can’t pass the infection to others anymore.

Syphilis Treatment

Syphilis is a severe infection, but it can be cured with the right antibiotics. The main treatment is penicillin, a well-known antibiotic that effectively kills the bacteria. The treatment approach depends on the infection's stage and whether it has affected other parts of the body. Here’s how syphilis is typically treated:

  • Primary, Secondary, And Early Latent Syphilis:

    • A single penicillin injection is usually enough to cure the infection.

    • People allergic to penicillin may receive alternative antibiotics, like doxycycline or ceftriaxone.

  • Late Latent And Tertiary Syphilis:

    • Three doses of penicillin injections are given one week apart.

    • Treatment can stop further damage, but any harm already done to organs may be permanent.

  • Neurosyphilis, Ocular Syphilis, And Otosyphilis:

    • A 10- to 14-day course of penicillin is administered through an IV in a hospital.

    • Sometimes, additional medication like probenecid is used to boost the effect of penicillin.

  • Treatment During Pregnancy:

    • Pregnant women receive penicillin to prevent congenital syphilis in their baby.

    • Babies born with syphilis may need a 10-day course of IV antibiotics.

  • Precautions During Treatment:

    • Avoid sexual contact until all sores have healed and your doctor says it’s safe.

    • Make sure sexual partners are treated to prevent reinfection.

Some people may experience a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) shortly after treatment, causing fever, chills, rash, or muscle pain. These symptoms usually go away within a few hours.

Syphilis Prevention

Preventing syphilis is important to protect your health and the health of your partners. The best way to prevent syphilis is to practise safe sex and take steps to lower your risk. Here’s what you can do:

  • Use Condoms: Always use condoms correctly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms reduce the risk of spreading syphilis, but they must cover any sores completely to be effective.

  • Use Dental Dams: During oral sex, use a dental dam. This is a thin latex sheet that provides a barrier between the mouth and the vagina or anus, reducing the risk of infection.

  • Avoid Sharing Sex Toys: If you use sex toys, make sure they are clean, and don’t share them. Use a condom on sex toys if they are being shared or used for different partners.

  • Get Regular Screenings: If you’re sexually active, especially with multiple partners, get regular STI check-ups. Early detection can prevent the spread of infections.

  • Talk To Your Partner: Have open and honest conversations about STI testing and results with your sexual partners. Knowing each other’s health status is a key step in prevention.

  • Monogamous Relationships: Being in a long-term, monogamous relationship with someone who has tested negative for syphilis dramatically reduces the risk.

Remember, syphilis can be caught again even after treatment. If you’re worried about syphilis or any other STI, Mobi Doctor can help. We provide expert advice, testing, and treatment options, all while ensuring your privacy. Practising these prevention methods and seeking medical support can keep you and your partners healthy.

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