Many people think syphilis is a disease that plagued people decades ago. The truth is, it is becoming more prevalent in the U. S. Especially among males. People who are sexually active should be familiar with the various symptoms and be able to identify them. This disease affects the body in stages and the earlier it is detected, the better off the patient will be. This article will focus on secondary syphilis.
Syphilis is often referred to as the "great imitator" because it mimics symptoms of other less threatening diseases. To contract syphilis, you have to have contact with a sore, or chancre from your sexual partner. This chancre can be small or large, and sometimes, not even noticeable. This is why the disease is easily spread through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. It is easy to miss the initial stage of syphilis because the chancre, if it does show up on you, can easily be mistaken for something else. So, often, the disease moves onto the secondary stage.
The second stage is much more noticeable. There is often a rash on the bottom of the feet, the palms, or both. The rash will appear to be made of spots that are brown or red but it will not itch. Seek the advice of a physician immediately if you see signs of this rash. Early treatment can reduce the risk of more damage. There are a variety of symptoms that can show up during the secondary stage including aching muscles, a sore throat, swollen glands and loss of weight and hair.
Unfortunately, letting syphilis go beyond the secondary stage can be life threatening. As the disease progresses, it starts to attack the internal organs. You brain, nerves, liver, and joints can become irreversibly damaged. In the latent stage, the disease seems to disappear from your body. However, it is still there. Without the proper medical attention, the disease progresses to the last stages which can result in organ failure and death.
People who have sex on a regular basis should be tested for STDs no less than two times per year, for their own good and the good of their partners. Regular testing is the most effective way to catch this disease early and avoid irreversible damage to the internal organs.
Using a condom made out of latex is an effective way to avoid contact with an undetected chancre that can lead to syphilis.
Syphilis is often referred to as the "great imitator" because it mimics symptoms of other less threatening diseases. To contract syphilis, you have to have contact with a sore, or chancre from your sexual partner. This chancre can be small or large, and sometimes, not even noticeable. This is why the disease is easily spread through vaginal, oral or anal intercourse. It is easy to miss the initial stage of syphilis because the chancre, if it does show up on you, can easily be mistaken for something else. So, often, the disease moves onto the secondary stage.
The second stage is much more noticeable. There is often a rash on the bottom of the feet, the palms, or both. The rash will appear to be made of spots that are brown or red but it will not itch. Seek the advice of a physician immediately if you see signs of this rash. Early treatment can reduce the risk of more damage. There are a variety of symptoms that can show up during the secondary stage including aching muscles, a sore throat, swollen glands and loss of weight and hair.
Unfortunately, letting syphilis go beyond the secondary stage can be life threatening. As the disease progresses, it starts to attack the internal organs. You brain, nerves, liver, and joints can become irreversibly damaged. In the latent stage, the disease seems to disappear from your body. However, it is still there. Without the proper medical attention, the disease progresses to the last stages which can result in organ failure and death.
People who have sex on a regular basis should be tested for STDs no less than two times per year, for their own good and the good of their partners. Regular testing is the most effective way to catch this disease early and avoid irreversible damage to the internal organs.
Using a condom made out of latex is an effective way to avoid contact with an undetected chancre that can lead to syphilis.
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