Syphilis STD Testing
You need clear answers to your sexual health concerns.
In the early stages, syphilis can be effectively treated, so if you suspect exposure to the disease, it’s crucial to get tested promptly. Symptoms often go unnoticed for extended periods, contributing to a rise in syphilis cases. DNA & Drug Solution’s testing services work alongside your physician to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Category
- Curable
Lab Test
- Blood Specimen
Treatment
- Antibiotics
Syphilis Facts
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- It can cause infections in men, women, and unborn babies during pregnancy.
- Often referred to as “The Great Imitator,” its symptoms resemble other diseases.
- Symptoms include painless sores (chancres) that may appear on the genitals, lips, anus, or other areas of contact.
- Chancres typically develop about three weeks after exposure at the site where the bacteria entered the body.
- Syphilis is curable with antibiotics.
- If untreated, syphilis progresses through four stages, each with increasing risks and complications.
Description
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, spreading through broken skin or mucous membranes. Often called “The Great Imitator,” it mimics symptoms of other diseases. If untreated, it progresses through four stages with escalating health risks and complications.
- Stat: The highest rates occur in individuals aged 20 to 39.
- Trend: Syphilis rates have risen by 12% over the past eight years.
Exposure
- Transmitted through skin contact with sores (chancres, lesions, or rashes), typically on the genitals or rectum.
- Spread can occur during anal, oral, or genital sex, as well as genital rubbing.
- Latex condoms reduce but do not eliminate the risk since sores may appear outside the covered area.
- Transmission can also occur through contact with rashes associated with the second stage, often on the hands, feet, or elsewhere on the body.
Incubation
- Timeframe: 10–90 days (average 21 days).
Syphilis Symptoms
The symptoms of syphilis often go unnoticed. The disease progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each with distinct symptoms.
Primary Syphilis (10–90 days after infection)
- Appearance of one or more chancres at the site of infection (e.g., mouth, anus, penis, vagina, or cervix).
- Chancres are small, round, firm, and painless, lasting 3–6 weeks.
- Even without treatment, symptoms resolve as the bacteria become dormant.
- Approximately 33% of untreated cases progress to secondary syphilis.
Secondary Syphilis (4–10 weeks after primary infection)
- Rash may develop on various parts of the body, including the palms and soles.
- Reddish-brown spots or other types of faint rashes may appear.
- Additional symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Symptoms resolve without treatment as the bacteria become dormant again.
Latent Syphilis (1+ year after secondary syphilis)
- No noticeable symptoms during this stage.
- The infection remains in the body and may persist for life or progress to tertiary syphilis.
Tertiary Syphilis (3–15 years after initial infection)
- Occurs in about one-third of untreated cases.
- Can cause severe damage to the heart, brain, spinal cord, eyes, bones, and other organs.
- Symptoms include mental illness, blindness, deafness, neurological issues, and heart disease.
- Can result in death if untreated.