Syphilis is well known infection all around the world but what does this infection actually cause? How is it transmitted and what treatments are available? Syphilis is a type of sexually transmitted infection which can have a wide range of impacts on the body. If left untreated, these impacts can become extremely serious and even impact your brain. As a result, treatment for syphilis is crucial. Making sure that you find a rapid syphilis test will help to ensure that you can get rapid syphilis treatment, which will allow you to reduce the impact of any long term effects.
Syphilis itself is spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex and can also be spread through sharing sex toys with someone who is already infected. It can be prevented altogether by using a condom during sex or during oral. If an individual becomes infected then the infection can be treated with an injection or antibiotic tablets. In order to make sure you’re as protected as possible, we always recommend taking a syphilis test after having non protected sexual interaction with a new partner. Here is everything that you need to know about the infection so that you can keep yourself safe.
Symptoms of Syphilis
It is important to note that the symptoms of syphilis can differ significantly from person to person and in some cases, people may show no symptoms at all until it has been in their system for years. This is why testing is so important once you have had sexual encounters with a new partner. In general, even if symptoms are shown, the symptoms themselves are not always obvious and may even disappear. Whilst the symptoms may no longer show, it is likely that the individual will still have the infection.
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Of those with syphilis, most might in fact experience “no symptoms”. However, symptoms of syphilis include small sores around your genitals or bottom, a rash (usually on your hands or feet) and white patches in your mouth. In addition to this, individuals may also encounter a blotchy red rash that often affects the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. This rash is often very visible and is a clear sign that you should immediately go to the doctors to get tested. Another visible symptom is the development of small skin growths (similar to genital warts) that may develop on the vulva in women or around the bottom (anus) in both men and women.
In addition to physical symptoms, it is possible at times for people with the infection to display some symptoms similar to a sickness. These include feeling tired with continuous headaches, as well as a fever and even pains in the joints. If you display any number of the following after a sexual encounter with someone in the past few weeks, it is crucial that you go to see your doctor.
If left untreated, syphilis can become very serious. Over the years, it can spread to various parts of your body which can cause long-term joint dysfunction as well as issues with the functionality of the brain. As a result, this infection must be treated as soon as possible in order to prevent any forms of long term damage. Although going to your doctors may appear embarrassing, this short period of embarrassment is worth it in order to kill off the infection.
Treatments
Once you have had a rapid syphilis test you can get started with your syphilis treatment. There are two main ways of treating syphilis depending on your personal preferences, as well as any medical conditions that you may already have.
The most popular form of treatment is an injection of antibiotics. This is usually applied to the buttocks and may require only a single treatment. However, if you have had syphilis for a longer period of time, it may be recommended that you have around 3 injections which are applied over 3 weeks. This will make sure that the infection is completely killed and cannot return to your system.
If you are unable to have the injection you will be prescribed with a course of antibiotic tablets. These tablets must be taken daily for between 2 to 4 weeks. Much like the injection treatment, the time for which you must take the antibiotics will depend on how long you have had the injection. Once you have finished your course, the infection should be killed completely.
It is important to remember that neither of these treatments will make you immune and you will be able to contract the infection again should you have sexual relations with an individual who is already infected. Once you have had your treatment, you should avoid any sexual contact for at least two weeks after the end of your treatment.
If you think that you may be at risk as you have forgotten to use protection, regardless of whether you have or do not have any symptoms, arrange an appointment with our team today and we can provide you with a rapid syphilis test. Results will be known within 20 minutes.
