What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacterial infection called Treponema Pallidum.  Sexually active people can contract syphilis through sexual contact with a partner who is infected. If caught in the early stages, it is treatable, usually with antibiotics. With no treatment, serious health problems, including blindness and damage to your brain, heart, eyes, and nervous system, can occur.

How do you get Syphilis?

You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore. The bacteria are passed mainly through sexual contact. The bacteria can be transmitted by kissing near the infected area as well as manual, oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Mothers can also pass it to a baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and sometimes through breastfeeding. This is called congenital syphilis, and it is preventable through prenatal care and screening. Like most STDs, it is possible to have syphilis and not know it. Many people with syphilis do not have symptoms.

How common is Syphilis?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report showing that from 2018 to 2022, reported cases of syphilis rose by 80%.  This confirmed a decades-long upward trend in the number of syphilis cases reported in the United States. Reported cases have increased in nearly every demographic group and region. The infection is more common in men. Men who have sex with men are diagnosed with syphilis more than any other group. Women are now making up a rising share of the infections, including cases of congenital syphilis, where mothers pass syphilis to their babies during pregnancy.

How do you test for Syphilis?

Syphilis is typically diagnosed through a blood test or the examination of fluid from a sore. If someone experiences symptoms consistent with syphilis, a healthcare provider will likely order one or more tests to confirm the presence of Treponema pallidum.  There are 2 types of blood tests for Syphilis: treponemal and nontreponemal.  Treponemal testing, such as the Treponema Pallidum Antibodies (TPA) test, looks for antibodies to the bacteria that causes syphilis.  Non-treponemal testing, such as the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test, looks for antibodies to antigens produced by the body during infection.  It is typically recommended to take both types of tests as neither one is able to confirm an infection by itself definitively.  

What are the symptoms of Syphilis?

The four stages of Syphilis can mimic the symptoms of many other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose without proper testing. Each stage has different signs and symptoms.

In the primary stage, the disease starts as a sore that's often painless and typically appears on the genitals, rectum, or mouth. These sores can last 3-6 weeks and heal on their own. The immune system usually kicks in and clears the symptoms, but it doesn’t cure the disease. It is important to seek treatment at this stage if you suspect infection. If you don’t receive treatment with medication, the infection moves to the second stage.

The second stage is characterized by skin rashes (often on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet), mucous membrane lesions, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. The rashes usually don't itch and are sometimes so faint that they are not even noticeable. You can pass the syphilis infection during this stage during vaginal, anal or oral sex. These symptoms can come and go for months or years and will go away whether you receive treatment or not. However, without the right treatment, your infection will move to the latent and possibly tertiary stages of syphilis.

During the Latent Stage, the bacteria become dormant, and the person may not show any symptoms. However, the infection remains in the body and can cause further damage to the organs if not treated. The latent stage can last for years, and many people may not realize they are infected. Some people with latent syphilis will suffer devastating complications, including neurological problems, cardiovascular issues, and inflammatory masses all over the body. Sixty percent of people with latent syphilis will never have symptoms again. 

The tertiary stage may occur many years after the initial infection. Syphilis will progress to this stage in about 20% of people who don’t receive treatment. This stage can result in vision problems, including blindness. It will also cause severe damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and liver, leading to permanent disability or death. Congenital cases can cause miscarriages, lifelong medical issues, severe birth defects, or even stillbirth.

Prevention of Syphilis

The most effective way to prevent syphilis is to get tested regularly for STDs, especially if you have multiple sexual partners. Also, practice safe sex by engaging in monogamous relationships with a partner who has tested negative for syphilis and other STDs. Use condoms properly every time you have sex. Condoms prevent the spread of syphilis by preventing contact with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. Contact with these sores can still transmit syphilis.

Anyone who is sexually active or has higher risk factors for syphilis should be regularly tested to ensure early detection and treatment. The earlier syphilis is caught, the easier it is to treat, and the lower the risk of complications. If you're unsure about whether you need a test, the only way to know is to get tested. Talk to your healthcare provider, who can help determine the best course of action based on your health and sexual practices.

Can Syphilis be cured?

Syphilis is treatable with antibiotics, primarily penicillin. If diagnosed in the early stages, a single dose of penicillin is usually enough to cure the infection. For people allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics may be used. It is important for the sexual partners of someone with syphilis to be tested and treated as well to prevent reinfection. Overall, 10% of patients who are not treated for syphilis wind up dying from the infection.

Where can I get a Syphilis test near me?

Request a Test offers both the Treponema Pallidum Antibodies (TPA) test and the Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test to screen for Spyhilis.  Both tests include confirmatory testing that will be automatically performed in the event of a non-negative result.  Request A Test also offers testing for other types of STIs individually and in packages for extra savings.  Whatever your needs, Request A Test has an option to help protect your sexual health and that of your loved ones.

Why choose Request A Test?

• Affordable pricing
• Over 7,000 convenient nationwide locations
• Same-day testing and rapid results
• No doctor's order or insurance required

Ordering your own lab testing is a great first step in taking charge of your health. No one is going to be a better advocate for your health than you. If you're ready to get started, place your order with Request A Test online or call our team at 888-732-2348.  

References

About Syphilis | Syphilis | CDC

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2024/why-is-syphilis-spiking-in-the-us

Syphilis: Cause, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

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