It is extremely important to get tested for Syphilis regularly. Syphilis is a bacterial infection which, if left untreated, can result in serious health issues for both men and women. This STI can eventually cause damage to internal organs including the nerves, brain, heart and liver. For pregnant women with Syphilis, there are increased risks of miscarriages, as well as premature and still births. A child born to a mother with Syphilis may have problems with development, suffer from seizures, as well as being at risk of deformities.
How is Syphilis transmitted?
Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a Syphilis sore or lesion (called a Chancre). Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected individual are the most common ways of catching Syphilis. You do not need to have had intercourse to catch Syphilis. One of the most common ways for it to be transferred today is through oral sex. Doctors are finding more Syphilis infections in the mouth area than ever before.
How will I know if I have Syphilis?
If you are infected with Syphilis, the first two stages will pass, and then you may not show symptoms for years, but you remain at risk of further health complications should your infection go undetected. There are three stages of Syphilis infection: the primary stage is usually represented by a present Chancre which, left untreated, progresses to the secondary stage. This includes symptoms such as rashes, fever, swollen glands, hair loss, sore throat, headache and muscle aches. Then follows a latent phase where you may not have any symptoms, or mild recurrences of the symptoms experienced in the second stage. The final stage can result in damage to internal organs and can lead to death.
What tests are available for Syphilis?
Better2Know suggests a blood test to see if you have Syphilis. We can also take a swab of the suspected Chancre. Syphilis is also included in our wide range of comprehensive screens and tests.
How is the infection treated?
Syphilis can often be cured with a short course of antibiotics. Better2Know’s sexual health team can assist in arranging an appointment with one of our private doctors should you test positive for this infection.
Such medication is only available on prescription, so you will need to be tested in order to be prescribed. An infection of less than two years is usually treated with an injection of penicillin, or a 10-14-day course of antibiotic tablets if you cannot have penicillin. An infection of more than two years is usually treated with three penicillin injections given at weekly intervals, or a four-week course of antibiotic tablets if you cannot have penicillin.
Following treatment, you should avoid sexual activity or close sexual contact for at least 2 weeks to avoid transmitting the infection to another person. You should also contact your previous partners to notify them about your result as he/she may also need to get tested. You can do so using our anonymous notification system in your secure patient area.
How can I book my test with Better2Know?
You can book now with our online booking system by clicking on the Book Now button above, and following the instructions. You can also call our expert Patient Services team using the number at the top of the page. They can answer any additional questions regarding our screens, tests and services in Asia.