Thread by @firstdoctorMD

HOW TO TREAT AND PREVENT SYPHILIS

Many people have #syphilis but don't know. They keep spreading it to others through kisses, sex, etc.

We're seeing more cases of complicated syphilis in hospitals recently. But it can be treated & prevented... THREAD 🧵

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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 & guys.

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

Syphilis can also be spread;

• From infected mother to #fetus inside the womb

• Through blood transfusion, &

• Through wounds that come into contact with infected wound;
e.g. #kissing a person with an infected mouth wound when you have a wound in your mouth!

Syphilis symptoms are usually so similar to many other diseases that it can be extremely difficult for people to know they have syphilis.

In fact, syphilis is sometimes called "The Great Imitator" because it's symptoms can mimic those of many other diseases!

Also, the signs & symptoms of syphilis will depend on the stage of the disease.

The stage can be;
- primary
- secondary
- latent, or
- tertiary

An infected person will likely go through these 4 stages if no treatment is given.

In Primary syphilis, there may be a single, firm, painless, non-itchy wound called #Chancre.

It usually appears on the site where you got the infection, e.g. in your PENIS, VULVA or MOUTH, & is about 1 to 2cm wide.

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

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

The rash is incredibly itchy. You'll be scratching it like mad!

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 enters the latent phase.

Here there are few or no symptoms and this can last for years.

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

Hence, spread of syphilis during this phase is QUITE COMMON! Beware!

The last stage, Tertiary syphilis, affects organs.

In this stage, there 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 and
- poor sleep

In fact, you might even become blind & lack ability to control your urine like a little baby..

In males, syphilis can affect the tube that carries sperm from the testis outside (Syphilitic epididymitis)

If this occurs, your sperm tube might become swollen & blocked, leading to #infertility.

Syphilis can affect many other systems & organs especially 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 re-infected.

Make sure you see your doctor together with your partner!

To prevent Syphilis, pls practices #SafeSex:

1. Use condoms
2. Don't share sex toys or needles
3. Use latex dental dam or condoms in oral sex
4. Screen for STIs & discuss results with your partner before sex.
5. If infected, see your doctor!

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@firstdoctorMD

Syphilis is very common, so test for syphilis in your regular health checkup.

Get tested;
• RIGHT NOW if you have symptoms
• Once a year if you have a small number of sexual partners
• Once every 3 months if you have many sexual partners

If you test +ve to syphilis, I advise you to get tested for HIV and hepatitis also.

Studies have shown that having syphilis may increase your chances of getting other STI's like HIV and viral hepatitis.

@DrOlufunmilayo @nma_halliday @trending_medic @wakawaka_doctor @healthertainer @aproko_doctor @DoctorEmto @drpenking @KelvinOssai @Dlaureate @ronikpe

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