“Syphilis” is one of the most popular sexually transmitted infections that has been lurking in our society for a long time due to a lack of understanding about the disease and insufficient awareness of the importance of preventing sexually transmitted infections. The outbreak of syphilis mostly occurs among teenagers, which further intensifies the epidemic because this age group is curious and experimental but does not see the importance of prevention. Therefore, we would like to invite everyone to get to know syphilis more seriously and thoroughly.
Getting to Know Syphilis, a Popular Sexually Transmitted Infection
“Treponema Pallidum” is the bacterium that causes syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can actually be completely cured. However, because the disease often shows no symptoms in the early stages, many people only realize they are infected when the disease progresses to an advanced stage, causing serious health problems that can be fatal. Since syphilis is a disease where patients often do not know they are infected, it has become a rapidly spreading infection, causing problems both in terms of severity for the patients themselves and the spread to others.
What Behaviors Cause Syphilis to Spread to Others?
Most people mistakenly believe that syphilis can be transmitted through sharing personal items or eating together. In reality, we can live normally with someone who has syphilis because the disease is primarily transmitted through “sexual contact,” whether vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It spreads from one person to another through direct contact with syphilitic sores.
Besides sexual transmission, syphilis can also be spread through kissing if the sore is touched, regardless of the location. Another important caution is that syphilis can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, causing congenital syphilis in newborns, which can be severe and even fatal. Therefore, prevention during sexual activity is extremely important.
How to Recognize Symptoms That Indicate Syphilis?
Syphilis symptoms can be divided into 4 stages as follows:
- Stage 1 – Sores, but often not visible
In this first stage, syphilis is most easily spread because there is no pain to alert the patient that something is wrong. The noticeable symptom is a “chancre,” a small red sore with raised, hard edges, which may be single or multiple. However, because the sores usually appear in hidden areas such as the vagina, anus, penis, or mouth, patients often do not realize they are infected and unknowingly spread the infection to others through sexual contact. - Stage 2 – Rash appears but eventually goes away on its own
About one month or less after the chancre appears, syphilis progresses to stage 2, showing a rash on the palms and soles. The rash is not itchy and is faint, which may cause some patients to ignore it or not be alarmed. Some may also experience fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Because the symptoms are not severe and disappear on their own, patients may overlook them and not seek diagnosis or treatment. However, the disappearance of stage 2 symptoms does not mean the disease is cured, as the syphilis bacteria continue to progress and remain highly contagious. - Stage 3 – Latent stage, appears symptomless but dangerous when time comes
This is the most frightening stage of syphilis. After stage 2, if the patient is unaware of the infection and does not receive treatment, symptoms disappear as if nothing happened. However, the bacteria remain hidden and continue to progress in the body, sometimes for years without any symptoms. This causes widespread transmission. When the latent stage ends and symptoms reappear, the disease has usually reached the final stage, which can be fatal. - Stage 4 – Final stage, dangerous enough to cause death
The time to reach the final stage of syphilis can be as long as 10-20 years. At this point, the bacteria have spread throughout the body, damaging various organs such as the brain, heart, bones, eyes, and blood vessels. This results in neurological symptoms, impaired movement, reduced vision, and ultimately death.
How to Treat Syphilis? Is It Curable?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be completely cured if detected early. Treatment involves antibiotics from the penicillin group. The duration and dosage depend on the severity of the disease at the time of diagnosis. However, if the disease progresses to the final stage, treatment becomes more difficult because the bacteria have spread throughout the body. Therefore, the best approach is to be aware if you are at risk, such as having unprotected sex, and regularly monitor symptoms or get tested for syphilis to prevent the disease.
Enjoying Sex Responsibly to Avoid Being Threatened by Syphilis
If asked how to prevent syphilis, the 100% effective answer is “abstinence from sexual activity.” However, if that is not possible, the most important thing to remember is “using condoms,” as it is the easiest and most effective way to prevent sexually transmitted infections. If you are someone who frequently has sex or has multiple partners, “getting screened for syphilis” is highly recommended because syphilis is a silent threat that not only puts you at risk unknowingly but also spreads the risk to others in society.
Ultimately, the best advice is to avoid changing sexual partners frequently—be faithful to one partner—and take care of yourself and your partner by regularly getting health check-ups to control the spread of syphilis and prevent it from becoming a major social problem.
Dr. Supitcha Ongkittikul
Internal Medicine Physician, Infectious Disease Subspecialist
Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Center, Phyathai 3 Hospital
