by Haylie Greene
Syphilis is on the rise. In this modern era, this old disease has become a real concern. If you have an active sex life, knowing what to look for and understanding the long term effects of syphilis is important in maintaining your health. Detecting secondary syphilis is not always easy to do, but knowing how can help individuals get treatment before the body is fully engaged in a fight for its life.
Syphilis has long been known as the “great imitator” due to its ability to mimic the symptoms of other diseases. In fact, it can be indistinguishable from other sexually transmitted diseases well into its first stage. Usually transmission occurs through contact through a chancre sore which may be large or small, noticeable, or very slight, thus, its first indicator is a tale tell chancre.
This disease is transmitted sexually through oral, anal or vaginal intercourse. When one partner comes in contact with the chancre of the other, the disease is spread. It may however not present itself in the form of chancres in the individual that has contracted it for as long as several years. If the chancre goes unnoticed and no significant treatment course is taken the disease will then progress to the next stage.
The secondary stage of syphilis, or secondary syphilis, however can be a lot more visible. It usually begins as a non-itching rash on the palms of the hands and/or the soles of the feet. This rash will come in the form of red or red-brown spots. If there is no course of action taken at this stage of the game other symptoms may include weight and hair loss, lack of energy and swollen lymph glands, muscle aches and possibly even a sore throat.
If allowed to progress beyond this point, the syphilis will begin to attack the internal organs. The latent or last stages of syphilis will result in damage to the nerves, the brain, bone and liver as well as other systems and organs. It is not unheard of for syphilis to progress to this stage without treatment, as in many individuals the symptoms are either mild or pass fairly rapidly, which can eliminate the sense of urgency to seek treatment. In fact, untreated syphilis can render its unsavory effects for as long as twenty years and still go undetected without the proper medical attention.
If you are presently sexually active it is always prudent to get regular std testing to maintain that you have a disease free status. Not only will this ensure your health, but the health of your present and future partners. Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases is wise to do at least twice yearly if you live a lifestyle that allows for unprotected sex. Catching syphilis in its early stages can help you avoid the discomfort and long term damage of a disease that can quietly pass on to its more damaging phases without treatment.
The commonly understood ideal is that safe sex should be practiced at all times. Because this disease can be passed via oral sex as well as other forms of intercourse it is prudent to use dental dams along with condoms and an approved lubricant. This will ensure that the soft tissues never come in contact with an undetected chancre that may be the result of a syphilis infection. In addition to regular testing, these measure will help you stay healthy and disease-free.
Other options include a lifestyle of abstinence, or indulging in healthy, long-term relationships that are mutually monogamous. When there is alcohol or drug use in the picture, individuals tend to have less inhibitions and are far more likely to indulge in sexual interactions that are less than savory. Because a syphilis infection can significantly increase your risk of HIV infection, using good judgment and prudence when sharing your body is always practical.
