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20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL

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Syphilis

One of the significant principles on which our services at Southkenmd.co.uk are based is a commitment to accurate and helpful insight about STIs such as syphilis. Syphilis is a bacterial infection that, though avoidable and treatable, can have terrible repercussions on a person's health if left untreated. We, therefore, aim to explore the necessary information related to symptoms, stages, diagnosis, and syphilis prevention.

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Key Facts About Syphilis

  • Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
  • It is transmitted by oral, vaginal, and anal sex and from mother to child during pregnancy.
  • If left untreated, syphilis can result in complications like blindness, neurological damage, heart disease, and even death.
  • Most infections are asymptomatic or unrecognized, with further dissemination of the infection.
  • In 2022, there were 8 million new infections among adults worldwide, and key populations like MSM were bearing a disproportionately high share of the burden.

How Syphilis Spreads

  • Sexual contact: Through sores or rashes in the primary or secondary stages.
  • Mother-to-child transmission: During pregnancy or delivery, leading to congenital syphilis.
  • Blood transmission: Rare but possible through infected blood.
  • High-risk behaviors: Unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners increase risk.
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Symptoms

There are three stages of syphilis, and each has unique symptoms:

First stage (primary syphilis):

  • A painless sore known as a ‘chancre’ may develop where the infection is 10 days to 3 months following infection. This typically occurs in the mouth, around the rectum, or on the penis or vagina. Some patients get several sores.
  • Your armpits, groin, or neck may swell.
  • These lesions are highly contagious. After two to eight weeks, they mend and go away.

If it isn’t treated, it may advance into the 2nd stage.

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Second stage (secondary syphilis):

Several weeks after the sore goes away, you could get:

  • A rash that is blotchy and usually appears on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet
  • Patchy hair loss
  • White patches in your mouth.
  • Growths that resemble genital warts occurring close to the vulva and anus.

The growths and rash are contagious. In addition, you may have weight loss, a fever or headache, and swollen glands.

Between the second and third phases of syphilis, no symptoms are visible. The illness becomes latent.

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Third or late stage (tertiary syphilis):

  • Years later, syphilis can cause serious harm to your heart, brain, bones, and nervous system. This harm has the potential to be fatal.
  • Stroke, blindness, heart issues, dementia, and loss of coordination are all possible.
  • Treatment is still feasible, but the harm may already be permanent.

Congenital Syphilis

There is currently no diagnostic testing for congenital syphilis. Checking for congenital syphilis symptoms in all live or stillborn infants of mothers with syphilis is crucial.

The course of treatment of liveborn infants will be decided partly by lab testing and later tests, clinical assessment, and radiography, if available.

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Diagnosis

Methods
  • Clinical examination and patient history.
  • Blood tests to detect antibodies.
  • Direct detection of bacteria from sores.
  • Rapid tests provide results within minutes.
Importance
  • Early diagnosis prevents transmission and long-term damage.
  • Expectant women should be screened during their first prenatal visit.

Have more questions?

We’re here to help - get in touch or book your appointment today.

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Treatment

Syphilis is cured with antibiotics. Usually, a single injection or a brief course of pills is used to administer them. For a short period following treatment, you may experience heat and pain.

To ensure that the infection doesn't recur or spread, you must refrain from having any sexual contact—oral, vaginal, or anal—for at least two weeks following the treatment. The best course of action is to wait until you get a test and be certain the treatment has been effective.

Syphilis won't go away independently if left untreated. Years later, it may result in severe issues with the heart, brain, and nerves, and it may even lead to death.

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Complications

HIV co-infection:

  • Syphilis doubles the risk of acquiring HIV.
  • Co-infection complicates treatment and accelerates disease progression.

Severe cases:

  • Neurosyphilis: Causes headaches, dementia, and muscular problems.
  • Ocular Syphilis: This leads to blurry vision, pain, or blindness.
  • Otosyphilis: Impairs hearing and balance.

Prevention

  • Do not touch the rash or the sores.
  • The danger can be reduced by using internal or external condoms, but only if they cover the rash or sores. Another way to minimize the threat during oral intercourse is to use a dental dam.
  • Steer clear of sharing sex toys, and if you do, always wash and cover them with a condom.

Remember that contraception, such as the pill, won’t protect you against syphilis or other STIs.

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Regular Checkups

You can have STIs without knowing, so regular checkups are always a good idea. This is especially the case if you're starting a new relationship or you want to stop using condoms with your partner.

At Southkenmd.co.uk Clinic, we provide:

  • Confidential syphilis testing and treatment.
  • Counseling to reduce stigma and support prevention.
  • Partner notification services.

We are committed to providing care from diagnosis to treatment and ensuring our patients achieve the best possible health outcomes. If you suspect syphilis or would want a checkup, reach out or visit us. Let us jointly combat syphilis and improve sexual health.

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We are open

Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday 10am to 2pm

Sunday by Appointment Only

Call Us

020 7183 2362

E-Mail Us

[email protected]

Address

20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL