Syphilis
A sexually transmitted infection, syphilis is often treatable in its early stages. However, if untreated, the condition can result in neurological disorders, disability, and in severe cases, even death. The disease’s stages are primary, followed by secondary, then latent, and finally tertiary. The CDC notes that over forty percent of presentations of syphilis involved male-to-male intercourse. However, cases involving heterosexual women and men are also growing. The condition can be treated using antibiotics. However, it won’t go away by itself.
The symptoms of syphilis depend on the stage of infection. Moreover, it’s contagious, especially during the secondary and primary phases. The tertiary stage may not be infectious but often presents severe symptoms. Some signs that the condition may have are white or gray lesions, muscle aches, sore throat, hair loss, headaches, weight loss, and fatigue. It isn’t uncommon for symptoms to resolve a couple of weeks when they appear.
To diagnose syphilis, doctors usually order blood tests, bodily fluids, and cerebrospinal fluids tests. Those concerned about contracting it should immediately speak with their doctors because early treatment can help prevent life-threatening complications. While treatment won’t repair organ or nerve damage, it can prevent further harm from being done.
