Do you know about syphilis? Syphilis is a disease caused by bacterial infection and can attack the reproductive organs of both women and men. This disease can be transmitted through sexual activity with sufferers.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis also known as the lion king, is a type of sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. Usually, this disease begins with sores in the genitals, anus or mouth without significant pain.
Because of the minimal discomfort of the initial wound, syphilis is often not detected quickly by the sufferer. However, someone who has syphilis can still spread this infection to other people. If not treated immediately, syphilis can potentially cause serious health problems such as heart problems, tumor growth, increased risk of HIV infection, and complications in pregnancy and childbirth for pregnant women.
Signs of Syphilis
Syphilis has 4 stages of development with different symptoms at each stage.
1. Stage of Primary Syphilis
At this stage, the characteristics of primary syphilis are the appearance of sores on the genitals, anus, lips or mouth. These sores appear 10-90 days after the Treponema pallidum bacteria enter the body. Primary syphilis can heal in 3-6 weeks, but if left untreated, it can progress to the next stage. It is important to immediately consult a doctor at this stage because it is still treatable.
2. Stage of Secondary Syphilis
Several weeks after the wounds in the primary stage have healed, the secondary stage of syphilis begins. Symptoms include rashes on the body, such as the palms of the hands or feet, as well as flu, headaches, joint pain, fever, excessive fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, hair loss, and weight loss.
3. Latent Syphilis Stage
Latent syphilis is a stage without clinical symptoms, but sufferers can still transmit the infection in the first 12 months. After 2 years, the infection is no longer contagious, but the bacteria that cause it are still present in the body. Without treatment, latent syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage.
4. Tertiary Syphilis Stage
Tertiary syphilis is the most dangerous stage, appearing 10-30 years after the primary stage. Symptoms include the appearance of gummas or small tumors in the body, as well as serious impacts on other organs such as the heart, brain, eyes, liver and blood vessels. Tertiary syphilis sufferers are at risk of heart disease and stroke.
How to Prevent Syphilis
Currently, there is no vaccine for syphilis. However, there are several simple steps you can take to protect yourself from transmitting the venereal disease syphilis:
- Maintain a monogamous relationship with one partner.
- Avoid sexual contact for long periods of time.
- Discuss openly the history of venereal disease that you have experienced with your partner.
- Always use a condom every time you have sex.
- After having sex, do not forget to clean the intimate organs.
- Avoid casual sex or changing partners.
That's information about syphilis. With the explanation above, we can conclude that syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be treated by medical personnel through a series of examinations.
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