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Do you have Syphilis? - Symptoms, Tips and Treatment - Doctor Explains



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In this video we will cover Syphilis. We will cover what it is, what symptoms it causes and how to treat an infection.

This video is part of a videoseries on sex related medical problem. Find the playlists here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaG3Bo3L0gX6I4FYPkL6bJ1Xx7dRs697P


What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema Pallidum. It can be transmitted through direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Recent studies have shown that about 30-60% of people exposed to primary or secondary syphilis will get the disease.

Primary stage
Within 10-90 days after the infection you might develop a skin ulcer, called chancre, in, on or around your genital area, anus or mouth. In about 40% of those infected, this will be a single, painless, non-itching sore ranging from 0,3-3cm in size.
There is also a 40% chance that multiple lesions may be present, in 30% of all cases these sores may be painful and rarely these sores occur in other places than your genitals or mouth.

Secondary stage
It occurs approximately four to ten weeks after the primary infection. It can cause many different symptoms:
- Commonly there may be a reddish-pink, non-itching rash, which is symmetrically present on the torso, arms, palms of your hands, legs and/or soles of your feet.
- In addition it may also cause condyloma latum; there are flat, broad, whitish, wart-like lesions, which might develop in warm, moist areas like the mouth, underarm, anus and/or vagina.
- Other symptoms may include a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, patchy hair loss, weight loss, and headache.

Latent stage
Syphilis is still present in your body, but for the time being without symptoms. Without treatment this phase may last many years after which, approximately 15-40% of people can develop tertiary syphilis.

Tertiary stage
It may occur within 3-15 years after the initial infection. Tertiary Syphilis is not infectious and may affect multiple organ systems
- In 15% of cases it might cause Gummatous syphilis.
- In 6% of cases it leads to neurosyphilis.
- In 10% of casus cardiovascular syphilis is formed.
When left untreated the tertiary stage of syphilis can cause very severe permanent health issues, which can ultimately be fatal.

How common is Syphilis?
A recent study has found that the about 0,5% of all adults in the US has syphilis. However this number can be much higher, in certain sub-populations.

Tips & tricks:
- Practise safe sex.
- Avoid sexual intercourse.
- Avoid having multiple sexual partners.
- Avoid drinking alcohol or using drugs.
- Have regular checkups or STI tests.
- Be aware of your own and your partners body.

Treatment:
First and secondary stage syphilis can be treated effectively with antibiotics; a single injection of benzathine benzylpenicillin usually does the trick. Or if you prefer pills several days of doxycycline or tetracycline are usually effective.

For late stage syphilis the treatment needs to be more intensive. When dealing with neurosyphilis, your doctor might recommend intravenous penicillin G for a minimum of 10 days. Other forms of late stage syphilis may be treated with weekly injections with benzathine penicillin for three weeks.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: CDC. (2022). Syphilis – CDC Fact Sheet (Detailed)
2: Better Health Channel. (2022). Syphilis.
3. Workowski KA. Bachmann LH. Chang PA. (2021) et. al. Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70(No. 4): 1-187.
4: Wikipedia. (2022). Syphilis.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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