Syphilis

As developing teenagers and young adults become sexually active, they become more susceptible to STD’s or Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Syphilis is an STD caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and is often called "the great imitator" because so many of the signs and symptoms of this disease are identical to those of other diseases. First documented in the 15th century, syphilis continues to threaten our population today and is much more widespread. This disease, also known as “the silent killer” is one of the most dangerous STD’s because prolonged exposure to the infection can be deadly and we must act responsibly to avoid contamination and live happy and healthy lives. To begin, syphilis is passed from person to person through the direct contact with a syphilis sore better known as a chancre. Syphilis sores occur mainly externally and are common around the genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of this disease occurs through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and pregnant women with the disease can pass it to the babies they are carrying. Despite the many myths that exist, syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils. Generally, harmful sexual actions lead to a person getting syphilis and if precautions are taken and a monogamous relationship is kept with a healthy partner, the chances of acquiring syphilis are much lower. As mentioned before, syphilis is known as "the great imitator" because its signs and symptoms are very similar to the signs and symptoms of other come common diseases. Regularly, syphilis occurs in three stages with each stage being more dangerous and more detrimental than the previous one. In the primary stage of syphilis a person is usually presented with the appearance of a single sore in any of the areas mentioned above, although multiple sores are possible. This sore is round small and painless which makes it hard to recognize and hard to attribute to syphilis. The time between infection with syphilis and the start of the first symptom can range from 10 to 90 days and the sore or sores usually heal after 3 to 6 weeks without any treatment. Up to this point if no treatment is sought, the disease progresses into stage two. In the second stage skin rashes and mucous membrane lesions occur resulting in sometimes harsh wounds, but usually these rashes resemble rashes caused by other diseases making them hard to diagnose without the help of a doctor. Sometimes rashes associated with secondary syphilis are so faint that they are not noticed and in addition to rashes, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. Furthermore, if treatment is not sought thus far the disease progresses to the third and final stage of development. In the tertiary stage of development, the infected person will continue to have syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms and the disease may subsequently damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia, but other symptoms have been reported. The tertiary stage of syphilis is very dangerous and can easily cause death, but surprisingly, only about 15% of people who are not treated for syphilis develop these tertiary effects. Nonetheless, these lucky few still can spread syphilis to other healthy people and should be treated for it as soon as possible. Moreover, for syphilis to be treated it must first be diagnosed. Some health care providers can diagnose syphilis by examining material from a sore using a special microscope called a dark-field microscope. If infectious cells are present the diagnosis can be confirmed positive. Those searching for a less complicated procedure can have a standard blood test to determine if syphilis is present. This inexpensive blood test can detect syphilis antibodies and thus leads to an accurate diagnosis. However, once a diagnosis is confirmed, a treatment must be administered. Syphilis is one STD that can be cured using simple medication and a use of common sense. A single intramuscular injection of penicillin will cure a person who has had syphilis for less than a year, but additional doses are needed to treat someone who has had syphilis for longer than a year. For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics are available to treat syphilis so there is no reason to leave this disease untreated. Unfortunately, home remedies are not available for syphilis, but official remedies are not expensive and can save your life. This is why it is important that people be screened for syphilis on an on-going basis if they are sexually active. A simple screening can save lives and prevent a world of suffering for someone that has syphilis. Personally, getting this disease would be incredibly frightful for me. If I felt a sore or any type of disturbance I would inspect it carefully and even look up pictures of it online. If a chancre was felt I would immediately do to the doctor and seek treatment. This disease is very deadly in the long term and I would not wait to get rid of it. After treatment, I would probably abstain from sexual activity for a very long time due to this disease. Unless I know that my partner is healthy and I trust her fully, I would not have sex and would never again put myself at risk for acquiring syphilis or any other known STD. For protection I would always use a condom, but obviously the best protection would be to be in a monogamous relationship with a woman that I love and trust. Having sex with short term partners is one of the leading causes of syphilis infection and I would prevent this by keeping one steady relationship. Finally, I would be smart and get an annual blood test to make sure that I am healthy and have not acquired any STD’s. To sum up, syphilis is a very dangerous STD if left uncured, but can be one of the easiest to cure if noticed and diagnosed. Teenagers and young adults must notice the dangers of this disease and protect themselves accordingly. Excessive sexual activity should be stopped and abstinence should be practiced, especially by teenagers. If sexual activity is begun than simple safety rules should be followed and inexpensive blood tests should be performed annually. STD’s like syphilis are very frightening in the growing world of today, but this growth in population has also stimulated a wide array of safety precautions for people who want to use them. Be smart and you will win against the vile disease that is syphilis. Bibliography "Historic Dispute : Did Syphilis Originate in the New World, from Which It Was Brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus and His Crew." Science Clarified. Advameg. Web. 11 Oct. 2011. http://www.scienceclarified.com/dispute/Vol-2/Historic-Dispute-Did-syphilis-originate-in-the-New-World-from-which-it-was-brought-to-Europe-by-Christopher-Columbus-and-his-crew.html Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Syphilis - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. HONcode, 2 Aug. 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2011.

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