Thread by @FirstDoctor

⚠️SYPHILIS IS REAL!

Many people have #Syphilis but they don't know. They keep spreading this dangerous Sexually Transmitted Infection until a lot of harm is done.

We're seeing more cases in the clinic lately so I'm sharing this coz I don't want you to be a victim.

Thread🧵

RT

Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection, STI. That means you get it mainly from having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral #sex!

That's why syphilis is spreading most rapidly among our sexually active ladies & gentlemen.

Syphilis can also be spread;

-from infected mother to her #fetus inside the womb
-through blood transfusion, &
-through breaks in the skin that come into contact with infectious lesions e.g. #kissing a person with an infected mouth wound when you have a wound in your mouth! 😘

Syphilis may cause symptoms that are very similar to many other diseases. That's why it may be so difficult for you to know you have syphilis.

In fact, the syphilis has been dubbed "The Great Imitator" because it's symptoms can mimic those if many other diseases!

Syphilis is caused by a tiny spiral germ called Treponema palladium.

The signs & symptoms manifested will depend on the stage of the disease, which can be;
-primary
-secondary
-latent, or
-tertiary

An infected person will likely go through these stages if no treatment is given.

The Primary stage often presents with a single, firm, painless, non-itchy wound called #Chancre.

This is usually on the site where you got the infection, e.g. in your penis, vulva or mouth. It's about 1 to 2cm wide.

Also, there may be multiple #sores & even hair loss (alopecia)

In Secondary syphilis, you have a #rash, often in your palms & soles. It is very itchy.

Some broad based elevated #plagues (called Condylomata lata) may also occur.

In fact, there may be sores all over your mouth, vagina or penis.

Over time, Syphilis becomes latent. In Latent syphilis there are few or no symptoms & this can last for years.

Sadly, people with latent syphilis can still spread the disease if they have unprotected sex!

Know that spread during latent phase is quite common!

So beware!

The final stage is Tertiary syphilis. In this stage, there are are soft, non-cancerous growths called #gummas.

If these gummas grow In your;

- Brain or nerves = #Neurosyphilis.
- Heart = Heart failure
- Bone = Destructive bone disease
- Liver = Hepatitis

And so on!

In fact, #Neurosyphilis can make you have frequent headaches, numbness in your toes & feet, confusion, depression, inability to walk well & poor sleep.

You might even become blind & lack the ability to control your urination like a little baby.. all because of syphilis.

In males, syphilis can infect the tube that carries sperm from your testis outside.

If this (#SyphiliticEpididymitis) occurs, your sperm tube might become swollen & blocked. It can affect your fertility.

Syphilis can affect many other systems & organs if not treated.

The good news is that Syphilis can be treated with #penicillins at the right doses.

But you must ensure that your sexual partner(s) is/are also treated! Otherwise you can be infected again & again.

So make sure you carry your partner along!

Start preventing syphilis today by practicing #SafeSex:

-Use #condoms.
-Don't share your sex #toys or #needles.
-Use latex dental dam or condoms in oral sex.
-#Screen for STIs & discuss results with your partner.
-If infected, see your doctor!

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@DrAtangwho

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