SYPHILIS : CAUSES , PREVENTION , RISK FACTORS

 SYPHILIS 

Syphilis is a chronic bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact . Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria known as Treponema pallidu . Syphilis can be challenging to diagnose . Someone can have it without showing any symptoms for years . Syphilis that remains untreated for a long time can cause major damage  to important organs , such as heart and the brain . 



The symptoms and causes of syphilis can help you protect yourself . Syphilis , understanding this infection can help you recognize signs of the conditions and prevent transmission . 

CAUSES OF SYPHILIS :

Syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection . The bacterial infection has minimal to no symptoms . The infection progresses to affect multiple systems in your body, which can have severe effects . 



RISK OF SYPHILIS :

Here some certain factors may increase your chances of contracting an infection . The following groups of people have an increased risk of contracting syphilis :
- people who have sex without a barrier method, like a condom , with multiple partners 
- men who have sex with men 
- people who have HIV 
- People who have partners with syphilis 



STAGES OF SYPHILIS INFECTION



 The four stages of syphilis are :

- Primary 

- Secondary 

- Latent 

- Tertiary 

Syphilis is most infectious during the first 2 stages . 

1. PRIMARY SYPHILIS - The primary stage of syphilis occurs about 3 to 4 weeks after a person contracts the bacteria. it begins with a small , round sore called a chancre. This sore may appear wherever the bacteria entered the body , such as on or inside the mouth , genitals , or rectum . Syphilis is transmitted by direct contact with a sore . this usually occurs during sexual activity , including oral sex . 

2. SECONDARY SYPHILIS -Skin rashes and a sore throat may develop during the second stages of syphilis . the rash itch and is usually found on the palms and soles but it may occur anywhere on the body . some people notice the rash before it goes away . Other symptoms of secondary syphilis may include : 

- headaches

- swollen lymph nodes 

- fatique 

- fever 

- weightloss 

- hair loss 

- aching joints  

3. LATENT SYPHILIS - The third stage of syphilis is the latent , or hidden , stages . the primary and secondary symptoms disappear . The  bacteria remain in the body . This stages could last for years before progressing to tertiary syphilis . 

4. TERTIARY SYPHILIS - The last stages of infection is tertiary syphilis . Tertiary syphilis can occur  years or decades after the initial infection . some other potential outcomes of tertiary syphilis include :

- blindness

- loss of hearing 

- mental health conditions

- destruction of soft  tissues  and bone 

- heart disease 

- an infection of the brain or spinal cord 

HOW TO PREVENT SYPHILIS ? 

The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex. Always use condoms during any type of sexual contact . 

- Use a dental dam or condoms during oral sex. 
-Avoid sharing sex toys . 
- Get screened for STI and talk with your partner about their results . 

Syphilis can also be transmitted through shared needles . avoid sharing needles using injected drugs . 

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