Syphilis is one of the most common types of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to medical experts, the risk of acquiring syphilis from a single sexual encounter with an infected partner is about 3% to 10%. In Singapore, particularly, an average of around 1500 cases of syphilis are reported every year.
However, despite its commonness, many people do not still seem to know much about syphilis. This is one of the main reasons why the transmission of the disease remains rampant. And we share some of the most important facts you should know about this type of STD to help you avoid the risk of acquiring syphilis.
1. Syphilis is a complicated disease
Many doctors and patients consider syphilis as a complicated disease due to its peculiar ways of manifestation. As a matter of fact, syphilis has been termed as “the great imitator” among the various types of STDs. This is because syphilis can have different appearances depending on its stage.
During the first stage, a person with primary syphilis may notice a chancre or a sore at the original site of infection where the bacteria entered. Once the disease enters the secondary stage, the infected person may then develop a rash or dermatitis, have swollen glands, and experience inflammation of the liver, eyes, or brain.
The initial symptoms of syphilis usually go away on their own after a few weeks or months. However, although the symptoms may go away, the disease remains and begins its latent stage. This stage of syphilis is a dormant period and may last for years. If left undiagnosed and untreated, syphilis may then develop complications in its tertiary stage.
2. An infected mother can pass syphilis to her unborn baby
If a woman is pregnant and has syphilis, she can pass on the infection to her unborn baby. Having syphilis can result in a low birth weight child. In some cases, a pregnant woman with syphilis may also experience having to deliver her baby too early or a stillborn.
A baby may be born with syphilis but without manifesting any signs or symptoms. For this reason, it can be hard to determine whether or not a child has been infected by her mother with syphilis. To be sure, pregnant women should be tested for syphilis in an STD clinic in Singapore at least once during their pregnancy.
3. Any sexually active person is at risk of syphilis
Syphilis can be easily spread through unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex. Any person can be at the risk of contracting STDs if they are sexually active, more so if they engage in unprotected sexual activities. Aside from being sexually active, engaging in homosexual sex, living with HIV, and having partners who have tested positive for syphilis can also increase one’s chances of contracting the STD.
4. A person can get syphilis more than once
Unlike in chickenpox, having syphilis once does not protect a person from getting the disease again. No one develops an immunity from syphilis. Even after a person has been successfully treated, they can still be re-infected. For this reason, it is necessary to continue having safe sex practices to avoid experiencing a syphilis re-infection or contracting a different type of STD.
5. Condoms are the best prevention against syphilis
Oftentimes, the symptoms of syphilis are unnoticed. A person may not be aware that their sex partner has syphilis because syphilis sores can often be hidden in the vagina, anus, mouth, and under the foreskin of the penis. Therefore, it is important to always be cautious and take preventive measures to avoid contracting the STD.
One of the best ways to prevent the spread of syphilis is through the consistent use of condoms. Undergoing regular testing for syphilis is also highly advised, especially for those who are sexually active. If infected, treatment and medical care should be done right away.
Conclusion
Knowing the important information about syphilis can help you avoid contracting the disease and all other types of STDs. As more and more people become sexually active these days, STDs are also quite increasing in numbers. Hence, having safe sex practices and undergoing regular STD testing in Singapore has become more necessary than ever.
If you suspect that you may be at risk of contracting syphilis or any other STDs, consult a reliable medical professional immediately. Here at Elyon Clinic, we provide confidential and highly trusted STD tests for our patients. If you want to get tested professionally and reliably, do not hesitate to contact us at 6802 7208 and book an appointment right away.
