Syphilis Symptoms in Women & Men

Introduction to Syphilis

Syphilis is also known as the “French Disease” and has been underestimated in its risk since more than two decades now. But more has to be realized and known about the disease as around 70% of reported population of New York are at a certain age in their lives been affected by Syphilis.

Here we have discussed everything about Syphilis, including Syphilis symptoms in women & men.

Syphilis Facts

      1. Syphilis is also known as the “Great Imitator”as majority of its symptoms are similar to those of other common STIs, which can often confuse the individual at the time of diagnose.
      2. Syphilis, unlike other STIs, is very contagious and can be easily transferred to others. A major perception about Syphilis is wrong, that anyone can catch the disease from the toilet seat, which is untrue.
      3. A simple blood or a urine test can confirm the presence of Syphilis bacterium i.e. Treponema pallidum.
      4. Syphilis is most commonly treated with Penicillin injection.
      5. Safe sex practices can eliminate the chances of Syphilis.
      6. Syphilis progresses into 4 stages namely, Primary, Secondary, Latent and Tertiary Stage. The terms are useful when it comes to diagnosis of the disease and prescription.
      7. It should be noted that Syphilis antibiotics cannot undo the skin damage caused by the bacterium.
      8. Sometimes after the treatment, there are chances of infection to return in the body.
      9. Syphilis can spread by coming in contact with the sores, also known as chancres. But, shared contact with table, door knobs or any other surface items cannot transfer the infection.
      10. Syphilis can easily transfer from a pregnant mother to the unborn child.

Syphilis Symptoms

syphilis symptoms

Symptoms in Women

Unlike men, women have less chances to acquire Syphilis. In case you are infected, sores, one of the common identifying symptom of Syphilis usually takes 2 to 10 days to appear on anyone from the day of exposure. Here are the list of symptoms of Primary to Tertiary Syphilis.

Basic Symptoms of Syphilis​ in Women

      1. Reddish-brown sores or a skin rash
      2. Sores in vagina, mouth, or anus
      3. Fever, Headache and Fatigue
      4. Muscle aches
      5. Hair loss
      6. Weight loss
      7. Stroke
      8. Inflammation and Infection of membranes around the spinal cord and brain
      9. Numbness, Deafness, Dementia
      10. Visual problems like blindness
      11. Aneurysm
      12. Personality changes
      13. Heart valve disease
      14. Jaundice, Swollen Glands
      15. Neurological Problems
      16. Abnormalities in bone

Pregnancy and Syphilis

Syphilis is completely treatable, provided it is diagnosed on time. Provided that a pregnant women is diagnosed with Syphilis, then chances are of:

    1. Premature birth
    2. Miscarriage and stillbirth.
    3. Low birthweight
    4. Problems with the umbilical cord which is responsible for supporting the baby in the womb.
    5. Death after birth

It should be noted that around 40% of babies die at birth as many pregnant women are unaware that they might be carrying the Syphilis bacterium in their bodies. Women who have had active sexual lifestyle in the past before they were pregnant, need to undergo STDs test during the initial stages of their pregnancy. Early diagnosis will reduce the risks of complications at the time of birth.

Who are at risk of Syphilis?

    1. People who have more than one sexual partners, practice oral sex and have unprotected sex.
    2. People who use illegal drugs and have a habit of aggressive alcohol usage.
    3. Gay, and bisexuals are more at a risk of Syphilis.
    4. People with HIV are at higher risk of Syphilis as it is one of the opportune diseases which can lead to death.

Symptoms in Men

Syphilis is more common in men than in women and it is claimed that men who have sex with other men are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. Here are the list of symptoms of Primary to Tertiary Syphilis.

Basic symptoms of Syphilis in Men

      1. Reddish-brown sores or a skin rash
      2. Sores in penis, mouth, or anal area
      3. Fever, Headache and Fatigue
      4. Muscle aches
      5. Hair loss, Weight loss
      6. Stroke and Neurological Problems
      7. Inflammation and Infection of membranes around the spinal cord and brain
      8. Numbness, Deafness, Dementia
      9. Visual problems like blindness
      10. Aneurysm
      11. Personality changes, Heart valve disease
      12. Jaundice, Swollen Glands
      13. Abnormalities in bone

4 Complications caused by Syphilis:

    1. Cardiovascular problems
    2. Neurological problems
    3. Heightened risk for HIV infection which can transform into AIDS
    4. Gastric syphilis

All Syphilis complications can be avoided, provided it is diagnosed on time. Penicillin injection is the perfect cure for Syphilis. Also, in case you have more than one sexual partners, you are required to undergo annual STD check up along with anyone with whom you are sexually involved. Early diagnosis will always eliminate the chances any STD to turn into chronic infection.

How to treat Syphilis?

Syphilis cannot be treated with any home remedies, except for few which can help the sores pain to reduce. Over the counter products would also not prove to be helpful as the stage of Syphilis cannot be assumed which means a proper diagnosis only after an STD testing is required.

Immediate attention is required in case you feel you are infected. You can book an appointment with us, online or telephonically. We maintain strong patient-doctor confidentiality agreement and provide results within 1-2 business days with minimal paperwork.

After the test, when the diagnosis is complete, we connect you with our medical practitioners who will further guide you through the prescription and cure. Remember, prevention is better than cure, an annual or a 6-month STD check with us, will reduce the chances of any STD to progress into any lifestyle threatening disease.