Syphilis Is Curable If Treated Early

Syphilis Is Curable If Treated Early

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease. The disease advances in stages and can vary from person to person, and depending on the stage of infection.

As regards signs of syphilis in men, VA doctors have the following things to say.

1. The primary stage – During this stage, typically 3 months after exposure, affected men are likely to observe a painless sore, also called a chancre on their genitals, anus or mouth.
2. The secondary stage – If afflicted persons do not take treatment during the primary stage, the disease can advance further with the following symptoms.

a. Fever and fatigue
b. Headache and muscle aches
c. Rashes across many parts of the body

3. The latent stage – During this stage the infection remains latent with little or no symptoms.
4. Tertiary stage – If syphilis is left untreated, the disease can progress to tertiary stage. At this phase, patients can experience severe damage to their organs, including nerves, brain, bones and heart. Neurological problems can be debilitating, resulting in difficulty coordinating muscle movements, mental issues and even paralysis.

The signs and symptoms of syphilis, VA doctors warn, progress to more advanced stages if men do not screen themselves and get treatment during the early stages itself. It must be noted that syphilis is a highly treatable disease with antibiotic especially during the early stages.

Syphilis has always been a significant health concern in the United States. The issues that need to be tackled include:

1. Increasing Incidence: The incidence of syphilis, particularly primary and secondary syphilis (early stages), has been on the rise in the United States over the past decade. During the peak Covid period, testing and screening reduced because resources of health care agencies were diverted to treat Covid patients.
2. High Rates Among Certain Groups: Certain sections of the populations are disproportionately vulnerable , including men who have sex with men (MSM), individuals in certain age groups, men addicted to substance abuse and racial and ethnic minorities.
3. Congenital Syphilis: Congenital syphilis is also on the rise, where the infection is transmitted from a pregnant person to their baby. Congenital syphilis can have serious health impacts for infants.
4. Health Disparities: Syphilis disproportionately affects poorer sections of the populace because they have limited access to healthcare and resources.
5. Coinfections: Syphilis patients can concurrently have other STIs such as HIV, which can complicate healthcare and treatment efforts.

By observing the increasing signs of syphilis in men, VA doctors reiterate that syphilis is a treatable infection with antibiotics, particularly in its early stages. Regular testing, timely diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are an absolute for controlling the spread of syphilis and preventing complications.

Moreover, doctors advise sexually active persons to adopt safe sexual practices, including condom use and regular STI testing. These are without any doubt crucial for reducing the risk of syphilis and other STIs.

Apart from physical manifestations, syphilis can cause severe mental issues , such as social stigma, anxiety and psychosis. Patients may even turn to substance use as a way to cope up with stress.

In conclusion, while receiving a syphilis diagnosis can be worrying, it is vital to take action promptly by seeking medical care, and strictly follow treatment recommendations, and adopt preventive measures to protect your health and that of others including your loved ones.

Also keep in mind that urgent care centers can diagnose and treat many STIs, and offer first line of treatment. If they are not able to handle long-term STI management, the urgent care clinics may refer you to a specialist or your primary care physician for further evaluation or follow-up care.