There’s a reason that syphilis is often dubbed as the “great pretender.”
Not only do its symptoms mimic other diseases, but it can also enter a phase in which you won’t feel the symptoms at all.
Despite you feeling healthy on the outside, syphilis can continue to advance in your body while you remain infectious to others.
What is hidden syphilis?
Hidden syphilis refers to a stage of syphilis infection where the symptoms are not apparent or have temporarily subsided, making it difficult to diagnose without specific testing. This condition is particularly concerning because even though there might not be any visible symptoms, the infection remains active in your body and can cause serious health complications if left untreated.
If you have hidden syphilis, you’re also capable of unknowingly spreading the disease to others.
How is syphilis transmitted?
Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, where direct exposure to sores can spread the bacteria from one person to another. This includes sexual activities, such as:
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- Vaginal sex
- Oral sex
- Anal sex
Aside from that, syphilis can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, a condition known as congenital syphilis.
This is one of the reasons why prenatal screening is crucial to prevent serious health complications in newborns.
What are the stages of syphilis?
Syphilis progresses through several stages and each one has distinct symptoms, which become more serious towards the last stage.
- Primary stage. At the first stage, sores can appear at the infection site, which often goes unnoticed due to their painless nature.
- Secondary stage. You may experience a rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes—all of which signal the spread of the infection.
- Latent stage. Also called hidden syphilis, you will be asymptomatic at this stage. While you may not feel or see visible symptoms for years, syphilis is continuing to advance in your body and you’re infectious to others.
- Tertiary stage. This is the most advanced stage of the infection with potentially life-threatening complications, which will affect your heart, brain, and other organs.
Why might syphilis be “hidden”?
Syphilis may be considered “hidden” due to its asymptomatic latent stage, where the infection persists without visible symptoms.
Since it’s “invisible,” the disease continues to progress and spread unknowingly. Additionally, early symptoms can be mild or mimic those of other diseases, which can lead to misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis.
How is syphilis diagnosed?
For a quick and reliable way to know if you have syphilis, you can take a rapid test in the privacy and comfort of your home.
Your healthcare provider will also conduct a physical examination to inspect for visible signs such as sores, rash, and swollen lymph nodes which are indicative of the disease’s presence.
Additionally, swab tests from sores can be performed to directly detect the syphilis bacteria.
All these diagnostic tools provide a comprehensive approach to identifying syphilis, so you can undergo your treatment plan promptly and reduce the risk of transmission.
What are the risks of untreated syphilis?
Here are the health complications that may arise if your condition is left untreated:
- Neurological problems. These include stroke, meningitis and dementia, especially as the disease progresses into its later stages.
- Cardiovascular damage. Aneurysms and inflammation of the aorta pose significant risks to your heart health.
- Complications in pregnancy. The risks associated with syphilis while being pregnant include stillbirth, neonatal death, and deformities in babies born to infected mothers.
- Increased risk of HIV transmission. The presence of open sores from syphilis increases the risk of HIV transmission.
How can hidden syphilis be treated?
Hidden syphilis is treated with antibiotics, with penicillin being the most effective and commonly used treatment. After going through your treatment plan, you need to show up for follow-up testing to ensure that the infection is fully cured and to prevent recurrence.
Additionally, if you’re diagnosed with syphilis, see to it that you inform your sexual partner(s) about your condition so they can also undergo testing and treatment. This helps to prevent reinfection and halt the spread of syphilis within the community.
How can you prevent syphilis?
Here are the preventive measures that you can follow to prevent syphilis:
- Practice safe sex. Use condoms or dental dams to significantly reduce the risk of transmission during sexual contact.
- Regular STD screenings. Make it part of your healthcare routine, especially if you’re part of high-risk groups, so you can detect the infection early and do your part in preventing its spread.
- Prenatal screening. If you’re pregnant, regular prenatal screening can help to inform you of your infection status and protect both your health and that of your baby.
Can you get syphilis again after you’ve been treated?
Yes, reinfection with syphilis is possible after treatment. Exposure to the bacteria again can lead to a new infection.
Frequently asked questions
What is hidden syphilis?
Hidden syphilis refers to a stage where the infection shows no symptoms, making detection without testing challenging. This asymptomatic period can occur between the primary and secondary stages or during the latent phase.
How is hidden syphilis diagnosed?
Blood tests can help detect antibodies produced in response to the infection.
Can hidden syphilis be transmitted?
Yes, hidden syphilis can be transmitted to others, especially during its early stages, even when symptoms are not present. Transmission occurs through direct contact with syphilitic sores, often during sexual activity.
What are the risks of untreated hidden syphilis?
Untreated hidden syphilis can progress to late stages, leading to serious health issues such as damage to the heart, brain, and other organs, potentially resulting in death if not addressed.
How can one prevent the spread of hidden syphilis?
Preventing the spread of hidden syphilis involves regular testing, especially for those with multiple sexual partners, using condoms during intercourse, and avoiding sexual contact with infected individuals until they have completed treatment.
Key takeaway
Syphilis is a serious but treatable infection that can remain hidden and progress without noticeable symptoms, which can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Regular testing, practicing safe sex and timely treatment all help to protect your health while preventing the spread of syphilis to others.
