Syphilis: Sign, Symptom, Treatment, History of Syphilis, Stage of Syphilis

• Syphilis is one of the most commonly known sexually transmitted diseases. 
• Syphilis is caused by a spirochaete bacterium called Treponema pallidum. 
• Syphilis is almost always spread through sexual contact; however, there are documented cases wherein a newborn can contract it from its mother during the birthing process.

Syphilis is not a newly discovered disease; its history can be traced back to the 15th century when an outbreak of syphilis occurred in Europe.  At this time, all of the European countries had inhabitants who were infected, including children.  Adults suffering from the disease were taken away from the cities and banned. 

What follows is a time line of syphilis throughout history

• 1890-Syphilis was thought to be a disease that affected sinners.  Treatment basically focused on prostitutes.
• 1905-The bacteria that caused syphilis was discovered by a German researcher.
• 1906-German researchers developed a screening test for syphilis.
• 1943-Penecillin began being used as a treatment for syphilis.
• 1947-The United States was home to the second largest outbreak of syphilis; 106,000 cases were reported.

In the 1950’s, the reported number of syphilis cases began to decline, however, rose again in the 1960’s due to the sexual revolution.

According to recent research and studies, there are an estimated 32,000 cases of reported syphilis every single year.  Most of these cases are affect women between the ages of 20-24, and men between the ages of 35-39.

Essentially, syphilis has three distinct stages

• Primary stage-This stage of syphilis is marked by a single sore that appears at the site of infection anywhere from 10-90 days after the disease is contracted.  In some affected individuals, there may be multiple sores.  The sore normally lasts 3 to 6 weeks, and heals on its own without treatment.  However, of left untreated during this stage, syphilis will progress to the second stage.
• Secondary stage-This stage of syphilis is marked by various skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions.  Other symptoms may include muscle aches, weight loss, fatigue, hair loss, fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands.  The signs and symptoms of this stage may or may not resolve without treatment.  If no treatment is begun in this stage, the syphilis will surely progress.
• Late stage-This stage of syphilis is marked by the disappearance of the signs and symptoms of the secondary stage.  Without treatment, the syphilis continues to infect the body, even though there may be no associated symptoms.  As time goes on, syphilis can damage internal organs, as well as have an adverse effect on the brain, heart, eyes, nerves, bones, liver, blood vessels and joints.  This damage can be serious enough to cause death.

While it is possible for syphilis to be cured, the longer an infected individual waits to receive treatment the longer they will have to undergo treatment in order for it to be effective.  Antibiotics are the normal treatment for syphilis, both in oral and inject able form.  The medication should be taken exactly as directed by the physician, and the entire course of medication should be taken until is completely gone.  If the entire course of antibiotics is not taken, the infection could become much worse, and will also result in the syphilis becoming somewhat immune to that particular antibiotic.

The best way to find out if you may be infected with syphilis is to get checked before any symptoms arise.  By catching it in the early stages, it is more apt to respond to treatment.  Make testing for this sexually transmitted disease a part of your yearly or biannual physical; in doing so you will be taking proactive measures to protect your health.�