One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among women and men is syphilis. Therefore, it is very important to know how syphilis is transmitted in order not to accidentally become its carrier.
To begin with, let's figure out what is dangerous about this sexually transmitted disease. If untreated, syphilis can last for years. During this time, it affects not only the organs of the reproductive system, but also the liver, stomach, nervous, osteoarticular and cardiovascular systems. This disease is characterized by alternating latent phases and periods of exacerbation. Treponema is a pale syphilis - a microbe that has a spiral shape.
How is syphilis transmitted ?
As a rule, syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact, less commonly through contact with an infected person (household way). Infection can occur from mother to child, as well as during a blood transfusion.
How is syphilis transmitted yet? Infection can occur in the absence of visible signs of the disease on the genitals through the patient's semen.
How is syphilis transmitted in the home? As a rule, the likelihood of infection through general hygiene items (for example, through a toilet seat) is very small, since treponema is very sensitive to the effects of various disinfectants, heat and cold. She also dies when dried. Please note that in micro-wounds on mucous membranes and skin, the bacillus can enter through dishes, toothbrushes, bedding and other common objects. Therefore, if you strictly follow the rules of personal hygiene, you will not have to face such a form of the disease as household syphilis.
The first symptoms of the disease
The first sign of syphilis is the formation on the skin of a hard chancre or a painful ulcer with dense edges, which, as a rule, occurs on the genitals. Less commonly, chancre formation may occur on the mucous membrane of the mouth, mammary glands, or thigh skin. Household syphilis can be recognized by the formation of sores on the skin of the face.
The second, most common symptom of the disease is an increase in lymph nodes in its carrier in the area of the appearance of hard chancre. As a rule, this symptom manifests itself on the 6-8th day of infection.
On the 5-7th day of the course of the disease, inflammation in the area of the lymphatic vessels makes itself felt , which looks like a seal under the skin of the genital organs.
Usually, the primary manifestations of syphilis disappear after about 7 weeks from the onset of the disease, which then goes into the latent phase. Therefore, a person who has syphilis, who does not know what symptoms this disease has, continues to have sex, spreading the infection further.
Symptoms of Secondary Syphilis
The second stage of the disease occurs after 9-11 weeks, when the bacteria enter the bloodstream. In this case, the disease will manifest itself as a small painful rash and ulcers on the mucous membranes and skin, which disappear after 7-9 weeks. Consequences may include hair loss, joint pain, and fever. The above symptoms without medical treatment may disappear and reappear over several years. With household infection, carriers of secondary syphilis are quite dangerous.
Symptoms of Tertiary Syphilis
In 30% of cases, if untreated, the disease passes into its last stage when it penetrates all organs and systems of the body. Cartilage and soft tissue are deformed. At this stage, patients with syphilis are not dangerous.
Syphilis treatment
As a rule, medical treatment of the disease lasts from 2 to 3 months and includes the following drugs:
- antibiotics (bismoverol, bismuth, benzylpenicillin);
- immunomodulators (T-activin, thymalin);
- B vitamins and antioxidants that stimulate regenerative processes;
- probiotics (Hilak, Linex, etc.).
Keep in mind that self-medication can not only not bring the desired results, but also harm your health. Therefore, if you find yourself in the above symptoms, seek qualified medical help to prevent the disease from becoming chronic. Be healthy!