Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted by direct contact with an infectious lesion (usually during sexual contact), however it is also possible for it to be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. It’s divided into early (primary, secondary and latent) and tertiary syphilis, depending on how long the person has been infected.
To discuss further with our doctor or to learn more about our sexual health testing fees, please contact us at samedaydoctor, Canary Wharf.
Symptoms
Primary syphilis:
Usually presents with a solitary and painless ulcer (chancre) in the anogenital region (penis, vagina, anus) or sometimes in or around the mouth, at the point of contact. The chancre can appear anytime from 10 days to 3 months after exposure, lasting for anything from 2 to 6 weeks. It is usually accompanied by localised lymphnode enlargement. However, it can sometimes present as multiple lesions or be painful.
Secondary syphilis:
This is when the disease becomes systemic (spread through the body) and can start within a few weeks of the chancre disappearing. It often presents as a non itchy rash anywhere on the body, but typically affecting the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet with enlarged local lymphnodes in the armpits or neck. You can also feel tired have a sore throat or headaches. These symptoms usually disappear after a few weeks and then the disease becomes latent.
During primary and secondary stages of the condition, people are highly infectious.
Latent syphilis:
Often has no symptoms and is usually diagnosed incidentally by routine STI screening so regular sexual health check-ups are recommended. During this stage, usually around 2 years after infection, people become non infectious.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of syphilis is made with a blood test or a swab from an infected ulcer/chancre. We include syphilis in all of our STI blood screens, this can be done from one month post contact, although we recommend a follow up test at 3 months. It is important however not to leave it that long if you develop symptoms so you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Guidelines recommend sexual health screening for other STI’s if you have been diagnosed with the condition and sexual partners need to be notified. How far back depends on the stage of the disease.
Treatment
The treatment of syphilis consists a penicillin injection. At samedaydoctor Canary Wharf we can screen for syphilis as well as administer sexual health treatment and advise on partner notification and follow up.
Complications
If the disease is not diagnosed through sexual health check-ups and treated by the time it becomes latent, it can develop into the more serious late stage, or tertiary syphilis. The symptoms can take years or decades to develop. The disease now spreads to other organs like the heart, brain or skin so the symptoms will depend on the organs affected. If it is left untreated it can in some instances be fatal, so regular sexual health check-ups are highly recommended.