Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STD). In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded over 74,000 new cases in the United States, and rates have continued to rise since then. Syphilis is usually transferred through sexual activity and can lead to major health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, antibiotics can be used to treat it.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of Syphilis, as well as what steps to follow for a successful recovery.
Syphilis is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact with few symptoms. The bacterium Treponema pallidum causes it, and it is usually contracted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can cause a syphilitic sore, also known as a chancre, to form on and around the vagina or penis, around the anus, inside the vagina or rectum, or around the mouth. Syphilis is primarily transmitted via the Syphilitic sore, which is one of the most common symptoms.
Symptoms of syphilis might be mild and easily missed. Regular testing ensures that you are aware of your sexual health status, that the bacteria does not spread, and that unpleasant side effects such as Syphilis are prevented.
When it comes to self-diagnosis of STDs, syphilis is no exception. Did you know that Syphilis symptoms can appear and then vanish? This could be one of the reasons why Syphilis is so common. Because many Syphilis patients are unaware of their infection, they unintentionally spread it to all of their sexual partners.
Because the symptoms are so minor, many people mistake Syphilis for a simple rash or an acne breakout. It’s a good idea to have sores around your genitals examined and tested for Syphilis if they appear. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to effectively cleanse your body of the infection.
Sometimes categorizing Syphilis symptoms by stage is easier. As a result, we’ve simplified everything for you.
Chancres, or round, painless sores, are one of the first symptoms people notice during the primary stage. Because the sores usually appear one at a time rather than all at once, they are easily confused with pimples or ingrown hairs. When the sores open, a moist fluid that is highly contagious is exposed.
Chancres appear three to six weeks after exposure and are difficult to detect because they are not painful and frequently appear in unexpected places. They commonly develop in the vagina, penis, vulva, scrotum, anus, and around the mouth. Chancres usually only stay for a few weeks before disappearing.
Safe sex, expert treatment, regular testing, and understanding of the symptoms of the primary stage of Syphilis can all help to prevent infection, control it, and ensure that treatment is effective.
A rash on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, or other body areas is common during the secondary stage of Syphilis. Typically, the rash is non-itchy and difficult to detect. It can last for years or only a few weeks at a time.
Another common sign in the secondary stage is the emergence of flu-like symptoms. Symptoms include swollen glands, headaches, muscle aches, fatigue, fever, and a sore throat. Other possible side effects include hair loss and weight loss. Even if the symptoms go away on their own, the infection is still present.
Individuals who ignore the symptoms of the secondary stage of Syphilis are more likely to be exposed to the infection’s final stage.
Symptoms of syphilis can only be ignored for so long. The late stage may eventually take over, and you may begin to experience serious problems such as nervous system damage, mental disorders, malignancies, and cardiovascular issues. At this point, syphilis has the potential to kill you.
If you wait too long, it may be too late to test for Syphilis. Testing is quick and simple, and it could save your life as well as the lives of others you care about who are ill. If you suspect you have Syphilis, get tested as soon as possible.
Testing for Syphilis in the early stages of infection is simple and highly recommended. Once your blood sample is taken, syphilis antibodies, which are protective proteins in your body that neutralize viruses and bacteria, can be tested. Antibodies in your blood indicate that your body has been actively fighting the illness. Patients with positive test results will be given treatment options by their doctor.
Syphilis testing is straightforward, but treatment is equally, if not more so. If you are diagnosed with Syphilis, your doctor will most likely prescribe penicillin or a similar medication. Before you know it, you’ll be back to your normal routine.
It is equally important to discuss your Syphilis symptoms and infection as it is to get tested and treated. It is, however, frequently much more difficult to experience. Talking about Syphilis with your partner can be uncomfortable at first, but it will be worth it in the end. Tell your partner(s) about your doctor’s findings on Syphilis and reassure them that treatment is available. It is critical that you convince them to have their blood tested. Even if your Syphilis symptoms have subsided, you should avoid additional vaginal, oral, and anal sexual activity until you have completed treatment. As a result, reinfection and other problems will be avoided.
If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant and are experiencing Syphilis symptoms, you should get tested right away. Routine prenatal checkups will not screen for Syphilis unless you specifically request it.
If diagnosed and treated early, syphilis and your infant should not be a concern. However, if you do not seek treatment, your infant is at high risk of contracting Syphilis. Statistics show that half of all mothers who do not treat their Syphilis will pass it on to their children. This usually results in miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health problems. If you’re pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant and suspect you’ve been exposed to Syphilis, get tested immediately. Testing is critical if you are currently experiencing Syphilis symptoms.
There is no paperwork to complete. Quick and Private Decision Making Free and Private STD Testing
At our test center, getting tested for STDs is a simple and quick process. Ordering tests is done over the phone or online. Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday testing.
There will be no need to wait, fill out papers, or schedule an appointment; you will be in and out in minutes.
Your test results will be available in your online account within 1-2 days.
Our private STD testing laboratories give thorough and accurate findings. In 24 to 48 hours, the order, test, and results are available online. Right now, take a test! The Food and Drug Administration has given their approval. Completely confidential. Alternative treatments are available.
Complete anonymity is guaranteed. FDA-Approved/Cleared. Your findings will be available in 24-48 hours.
Completely confidential. Fast, local, and affordable services to protect you and your partner. Completely confidential. FDA-Approved/Cleared. Within 24-48 hours, you’ll have results.
STD testing takes into account your age, risk factors, indications and symptoms, and medical history. You should obtain full testing if you’re at risk for one STD because you might be at risk for others as well.
All of our STD testing is done with urine and/or blood tests to ensure accuracy. Swabs and saliva tests are not used.
If a woman is at risk for STDs, her menstrual period should not prevent her from getting tested.
Within 48-72 hours, the majority of tests yield an electronic result. Trichomoniasis and HIV RNA tests may take one extra day.
To ensure a large enough sample size for a pee test, don’t urinate for at least an hour before the test. You must also fast for 12 hours before taking the wellness panel. There’s nothing else you need to do to prepare for your STD test.
It’s difficult to tell which STDs you’ve been exposed to; if you’re at risk for one, you’re at risk for them all. The best way to ensure that you are fully informed and aware of any potential STDs is to take our 10-Test Panel.
There are tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Hepatitis A, B, C, Genital herpes, Oral herpes, HIV 1 & 2, and Syphilis. Individual and group testing are available. Get more information on STD Testing.
We recommend getting tested for STDs at least twice a year if you are sexually active in any way. If you are sexually active, have multiple partners, or have previously tested positive for one or more STDs, more frequent testing is recommended.
The STD minimum age varies by state. Click the link to see what might apply to your state.
From the time you arrive, the visit takes roughly five minutes or less. The appointment consists of simple urine and/or blood collection, followed by your exit.
Definitely not. Our partner labs also do a range of other diagnostic tests that need urine and/or blood samples, therefore the STD Test is unlikely to be noticed.
It is not necessary to make an appointment. After you’ve placed your order, you can pick up your samples at the lab at any time during business hours. If you’re pressed for time, call the lab to make an appointment.
As soon as you receive your Order Form, you can begin taking the test (or confidential test code). The order form will be emailed to you or available through your online account.
It’s a blood test that can diagnose syphilis within two weeks of infection (compared to 4 weeks to 3 months with a standard RPR test)
It’s a blood test that can detect HIV 9-11 days after exposure (compared to 2-6 weeks with an HIV antigen/antibody test).
HIV: 2-6 weeks, Syphilis: 1-3 months, Herpes: 6-26 days, Chlamydia: 1-3 weeks, Gonorrhea: 2-3 days, Hepatitis B: 1-5 months, Hepatitis C: 2-6 months, Trichomonas: 5-28 days
If you are confirmed positive, for a cost of $95, we will offer you with a doctor consultation and written prescription. For an extra $95, you can get a documented prescription for your partner. We can even call your pharmacy on your behalf to get your prescriptions filled.
Yes, having an STD treated does not prevent you from catching it again.
Our live chat representatives are unable to look up your results owing to privacy considerations. However, you can inquire about the status of your results by contacting our Medical Advisors.