Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. If left untreated, it can take a chronic course and lead to serious damage to organs, the nervous system and the brain. In the past, syphilis was responsible for many epidemics in which numerous people died. Since the discovery of penicillin (an antibiotic), the disease is no longer life-threatening if detected and treated in time.

If left untreated, syphilis typically progresses in four stages:

• Primary stage: The first symptoms appear five days to three months after infection - usually as painless ulcers at the site of entry (e.g. genitals, throat) and swollen lymph nodes. The symptoms often heal on their own, but the infection persists and remains contagious.

• Secondary stage: Characterized by a non-itchy skin rash, often accompanied by flu-like symptoms. These symptoms also disappear after a certain time if left untreated, without the disease being cured.

• Latent syphilis: A symptom-free phase that can last from months to years. The early latent stage (< 1 year) is still infectious; in the late stage (> 1 year) the infection usually goes unnoticed but progresses.

• Tertiary stage: Years after infection, severe organ damage can occur, e.g. to the heart, brain, bones or skin. Neurosyphilis can lead to paralysis, personality changes or dementia. This stage is rare today thanks to early antibiotic treatment.

There is also so-called congenital syphilis. This occurs when the infection is transmitted to the unborn child during pregnancy. In this case, it can lead to malformations, inflammation or blindness in the child.

The correct use of high-quality condoms in the right size reduces the risk of infection, but does not completely prevent it. Therefore, if you have many or frequently changing sexual partners, regular tests at a sexual health center are recommended. In this way, any infection can be detected and treated at an early stage.