Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Known as “The Great Imitator,” syphilis can mimic many other diseases and go unnoticed in its early stages. However, it can cause life-threatening complications if left untreated.
In recent years, syphilis rates have been increasing in the United States—especially among young adults, men who have sex with men, and pregnant women. At Aslan Health, we offer affordable, confidential syphilis testing and treatment to protect your health and the health of your community.
How Syphilis Spreads
Syphilis spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore (chancre) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The infection can also pass from a pregnant person to their unborn baby, leading to congenital syphilis—which can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects.
You cannot get syphilis through casual contact such as sharing utensils, hugging, or using public toilets.
Stages of Syphilis & Symptoms
Syphilis progresses through four distinct stages:
1. Primary Syphilis
- Timing: 10 to 90 days after exposure (average 21 days).
- Symptoms:
- A single painless sore (chancre) or multiple sores where the bacteria entered the body—usually on the genitals, anus, rectum, or mouth.
- The sore typically heals within 3 to 6 weeks without treatment, but the infection remains.
2. Secondary Syphilis
- Timing: Weeks to months after the chancre heals.
- Symptoms:
- Skin rash, often on palms of hands and soles of feet—may also appear elsewhere.
- Sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus (mucous patches).
- Flu-like symptoms: fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Hair loss in patches (alopecia).
- These symptoms may disappear without treatment but will likely return or progress.
3. Latent Syphilis
- Timing: Can begin anytime after secondary symptoms resolve.
- Symptoms:
- None—this is a silent stage.
- The bacteria remain in your body, potentially causing damage over time.
- This stage can last for years.
4. Tertiary Syphilis
- Occurs in 15-30% of untreated cases, even decades after infection.
- Can damage major organ systems:
- Brain (neurosyphilis) → confusion, dementia, stroke, seizures.
- Heart & Blood Vessels → aneurysms, heart valve disease.
- Liver, Bones, Eyes → vision loss (ocular syphilis), bone pain, liver inflammation.
- Tertiary syphilis can be fatal.
Special Forms of Syphilis
- Neurosyphilis: Can occur at any stage, affecting the nervous system.
- Ocular Syphilis: Involves the eyes, causing vision changes or blindness.
- Congenital Syphilis: Passed from a pregnant person to their baby, causing severe health complications or death.
Who is at Risk?
Anyone who is sexually active can contract syphilis, but risk increases if you:
- Have multiple sexual partners.
- Are a man who has sex with men.
- Have HIV.
- Engage in sex without condoms.
- Are pregnant and untested.
Testing for Syphilis
Syphilis can be diagnosed through:
- Blood Tests: Detect antibodies to Treponema pallidum.
- Direct Testing: Swabbing a sore or spinal fluid (in cases of neurosyphilis).
Regular testing is critical, especially if you are sexually active or pregnant.
Aslan Health Syphilis Testing:
- Office Visit: $75 (same-day pay rate).
- Syphilis Test: $30.
- Confidential, judgment-free care.
- Walk-ins welcome; appointments available online.
Treatment for Syphilis
The standard treatment is penicillin, administered as:
- A single injection of Benzathine Penicillin G for early stages.
- Multiple doses over several weeks for later stages or certain complications.
- Alternative antibiotics may be used for those with penicillin allergies (though penicillin is preferred in pregnancy).
Important: Even after successful treatment, follow-up testing is required to confirm cure and ensure no long-term damage.
Prevention Tips
- Use condoms correctly every time you have sex.
- Get tested regularly—especially if you have multiple partners or are pregnant.
- Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner have sores or unexplained rashes.
- Communicate openly with partners about sexual health.
Why Choose Aslan Health for STI Testing?
At Aslan Health, we believe in whole-person care—treating not just your physical body but also providing support for emotional and spiritual well-being. We offer affordable, accessible STI testing and compassionate care, grounded in Christ-centered service.
We’re here to help you take control of your health without judgment or shame.
Schedule your confidential syphilis test today:
- $75 Office Visit + $30 Test.
- Walk in or book online: aslanclinic.com
- Call us: 320-297-6800
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Syphilis – CDC Fact Sheet
- Mayo Clinic. Syphilis Overview
- World Health Organization. Syphilis Facts
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Screening for Syphilis