Syphilis Treatment…What is Syphilis? Syphilis refers to a type of bacterial infection that can be spread by unprotected sex. In most cases, it starts as a painless sore on the genitals, mouth, or rectum. It spreads from one person to another via mucous membrane or skin contact with the sores.
After the initial stages of the infection, the bacteria may lie dormant in your body before it finally becomes active. An injection of penicillin can easily cure syphilis at an early stage. When this condition is left untreated, it may cause severe damage to your brain, heart, or other organs.
Syphilis Infection and Risk Factors
Treponema pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis, can be contracted when a person comes into contact with the sore of an infected person during sexual intercourse. The bacteria can enter the body through abrasions or minor cuts in your mucous membranes or skin.
This sexually transmitted infection is usually contagious during its primary or secondary stages but it may also become contagious during its early latent period. Sometimes, the bacteria may also spread through direct contact with active lesion. An infected mother may also pass it on to her baby during childbirth or pregnancy.
Contrary to popular belief, syphilis cannot be spread by using the same bathtub, toilet, eating utensils, swimming pools, or doorknobs. It can only be transmitted through sexual contact or direct contact with sores. Those who have been cured of syphilis may also get another infection when they have been exposed to someone elses sores.
The primary risk factors of this sexually transmitted infection include engaging in unprotected sex, having sex with multiple partners, or being in an intimate relationship with someone who has more than one sex partner. Genital sores caused by syphilis can make a person more susceptible to AIDS.
Common Symptoms of Syphilis
Primary syphilis, the first stage of this condition, usually occurs ten days to three months after initial exposure. The first sign of syphilis that most men experience is a sore on the penis. On the other hand, women may notice a sore inside or around their vagina during the primary stage of this condition. People usually fail to notice the sores because they do not cause pain or discomfort. Sores may go away three to six weeks after they have been developed. Some people who are infected with Treponema Pallidum may notice enlarged lymph nodes in their groin as well.
When syphilis remains untreated at an early stage, the infection may spread from the sore into your bloodstream. When this happens, the condition moves to the secondary stage and causes serious syphilis symptoms. A reddish-brown rash may appear anywhere in the body. It occurs two to ten weeks after the sores appeared.
The secondary stage of this condition may also result in sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and visible sores in the mouth. Shortly after the second stage, the disease moves to the latent stage wherein symptoms are not present but the infection lays dormant in the body.
After years of having syphilis and leaving it untreated, the disease may move to the tertiary stage. When this happens, patients may experience problems in the spinal cord and the brain. It may damage the heart and other important organs as well.
Some people who are suffering from this sexually transmitted infection may not show certain symptoms and signs. This makes syphilis very hard to diagnose and cure at an early stage. However, even if its symptoms are mild or they just tend to go away on their own, the infection remains in the body so serious complications may occur several years later.
Proactive Steps Against Syphilis
One of the best ways to prevent syphilis is to know if you are at risk of getting an infection. Since this infection is transferred from one person to another via genital, anal, or rectal sores, you will have a higher risk of contracting it if you are having sex with someone who is infected with the disease.
The best way to avoid this sexually transmitted disease is to practice abstinence. At the very least, you should also consider having a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who is free of infection. Avoid engaging in sexual activities if there is an unusual sore, rash, or discharge in your genital area.
To decrease your risks of becoming infected with syphilis, you should also talk to your partner and find out more about his sexual activities. If your partner seems unwilling to discuss the matter with you, refrain from having sex with him until he shows you proof that he is indeed free from infection.
You can also prevent this sexually transmitted disease by using latex condoms properly. If you are currently experiencing any of the syphilis symptoms that were previously mentioned in this article, you should also seek professional help as soon as possible.
Medical and Herbal Treatments For Syphilis
While syphilis can be quite hard to diagnose, treating it is quite straightforward. During the primary, secondary, and latent phase of this condition, you will need a single injection of penicillin to cure the disease. Men and women who are allergic to penicillin may also take oral antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin for two weeks.
Those who are in the latent stages of syphilis usually require three injections, with each of them at least a week apart. If the condition has advanced to neurosyphilis, IV penicillin may be needed every four hours for at least ten to fourteen days.
Chinese herbs were also found helpful in curing a wide variety of sexually transmitted diseases. Some herbs that can be used in conjunction with traditional treatment methods include formulas with Japanese wax privet, ginseng, and astralagus. The University of Maryland also discovered Aloe Vera useful for curing sexually transmitted diseases.
Its medicinal qualities have long been used for treating burns, woods, and skin irritation. It contains glycoproteins that can reduce inflammation and polysaccharides that can stimulate the growth of skin cells. When applied to the skin, Aloe Vera may reduce the inflammation caused by syphilis sores that have scabbed over.
If you are experiencing any of the syphilis symptoms that were mentioned in this article, you have to consult your doctor immediately. Remember, sexually transmitted diseases are easier to cure at early stages. To prevent your condition from progressing to the latent stages of syphilis, you have to face your fears and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
