Syphilis effects
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Syphilis is a highly contagious STI with major consequences. If you have been infected once with the bacteria that causes syphilis, it shows up in your blood forever. Even if you are cured after successful treatment. But more important are the consequences if you don't notice you have syphilis, or don't seek treatment. So what are the consequences of syphilis without treatment? We'll tell you more about that on this page.
The effects of syphilis without treatment
If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious damage in your body. At first, for example, the disease can cause skin rashes and flu symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. Sometimes these symptoms go away on their own, so it is important to be alert immediately if you develop these symptoms after unprotected sex (sex without a condom). If you are still not treated, the symptoms may get worse. For example, with hair loss, eye problems and problems with your hearing.
Syphilis long-term effects
When you have no symptoms of syphilis have, or fail to notice it, the bacteria can be present in your body for 2 to as long as 30 years without you even realizing it. It is possible for the effects of syphilis to show up after that. A syphilis infection that has been present for years can cause inflammation that affects almost every organ, for example, your heart and brain. Your spinal cord, skin and bones can also be affected, which can cause a lot of damage.
Prevent long-term syphilis consequences
Prevention is better than cure, especially in the case of syphilis where a latent infection can cause serious health problems. Therefore, make sure you have safe sex with condom and/or dental flap. This applies not only to vaginal sex, but also to anal sex and oral sex such as blowjobs or chewing. Are you still afraid that you have been infected with syphilis? Choose to be sure and do a syphilis STI test.
PrEP care
If you have been at risk for syphilis then you may also be a bit more at risk for other STIs. At Soapoli-online, we also offer PrEP care. You can arrange all this from home. Testing and the PrEP medication we send to you. All about our fast and discreet PrEP care
Resources
This page has been carefully compiled with information from official and independent health organizations:
- STI AIDS Netherlands - Syphilis
- STI AIDS Netherlands for professionals - Syphilis testing and treatment
Soapoli-online gives you certainty about your health. Still unsure if your symptoms fit syphilis, or if you might have another STI? Then do ourfreeSTI Testing Guide!