Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD regarding my syphilis?

Absolutely. A Laso MD doctor can assess the possibility of syphilis based on your symptoms, ordering necessary tests, and obtaining pertinent details about your sexual history. Subsequently, the doctor can provide recommendations for treatment and prescribe the appropriate medication.

In cases where there is a suspicion of additional infections, the doctor may advise you to visit a clinic for further STD testing to ensure comprehensive assessment and care.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly, our physicians at Laso MD can prescribe medications online as part of your consultation. Upon accepting a prescription, you’ll be able to choose whether to pick it up from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra charge.

 

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact (an STI) or close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The causative bacteria for syphilis is known as Treponema pallidum.

 

What are the stages of syphilis?

Syphilis progresses through distinct stages, although the order and simultaneous occurrence of symptoms may vary among individuals.

1. Primary Stage: The primary stage initiates at the moment of infection, with an incubation period of approximately 3 weeks (up to 90 days). Characterized by the presence of a syphilis chancre—a painless sore on the genitals—this stage makes it easily unnoticed or mistaken for other conditions. Chancres can appear on the penis or scrotum in men, and on the vulva, vagina, or cervix in women. Rectal and oral chancres are also possible. Swelling of nearby lymph nodes may indicate syphilis. Although the sore resolves in about 3 weeks, the person remains contagious.
2. Secondary Syphilis: Occurring 2-8 weeks after the primary stage, secondary syphilis manifests symptoms that may appear, heal, and reappear for years. A reddish-brown syphilis rash often develops on the hands’ insides, the soles of the feet, and occasionally other body parts. This rash, sometimes faint and non-itchy, typically heals in about 8 weeks. Even with the healing of the rash, the person remains highly contagious.
3. Latent Syphilis: Also known as the hidden phase, latent syphilis is characterized by the absence of chancres or rashes, with no evident symptoms. Despite the lack of visible signs, the treponema pallidum bacterium causing the infection remains active. Symptoms may not reappear for up to a year, and in some cases, latent syphilis can persist for as long as 20 years. Regular testing and early treatment can help avoid this stage.
4. Tertiary Syphilis: Occurring in 15% to 30% of untreated cases, tertiary syphilis is an advanced stage leading to damage in the cardiovascular system, nervous system, liver, bones, and joints. It poses the greatest risk of long-lasting effects and complications, such as neurosyphilis and cardiovascular syphilis.

 

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis symptoms vary across the four stages, and their occurrence may not follow a specific order, sometimes overlapping or not manifesting at all. It’s possible for a person to have syphilis for years without noticeable indications of the infection.

Primary Phase:

• In women, symptoms include a syphilis chancre (sore) on the vagina, cervix, or vulva, and rarely in the mouth.
• In men, symptoms during this phase include a syphilis chancre on the penis, scrotum, or inside the anus.

Secondary Phase:

• A rash with reddish-brown bumps on the palms, soles of the feet, or elsewhere on the body.
• Sores (condylomata lata) in the mouth, vagina, penis, or anus.
• Fever.
• Sore throat.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Patchy hair loss.
• Headaches.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle aches.
• Nervous system malfunctions like paralysis, stiffness in the neck and back.

Latent Phase:

• During the latent phase, there are no symptoms.

Tertiary Phase:

• Gumma: lumps or sores on the body, bones, and organs.
• Cardiovascular syphilis, resulting in diseased heart valves and inflamed blood vessels.
• Neurosyphilis, leading to nervous system problems such as numbness, brain inflammation, or spinal cord inflammation (syphilis back pain).
• Stroke.
• Deafness.
• Visual impairment or blindness.
• Mood and personality changes.
• Dementia.
• Aneurysm: a bulge in a blood vessel in the brain that can leak, causing a stroke.

 

How is syphilis transmitted?

Syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact or close skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. Risk factors for acquiring syphilis include:

1. Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
2. Engaging in sexual activities with multiple partners.
3. Having sexual contact with a person who has syphilis.
4. Being a man who has sex with men.
5. Being HIV-positive.
6. Childbirth: Congenital syphilis occurs when a mother with syphilis passes it to her newborn.

 

How is syphilis diagnosed?

If you suspect you may have syphilis based on your symptoms, a blood test can confirm the diagnosis. In cases where the doctor suspects nervous system involvement, a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid may also be tested.

 

How can I prevent syphilis?

Preventing syphilis, like most STIs, involves practicing safer sex. Consider the following preventive measures:

1. Use condoms and dental dams during sexual activity.
2. Limit the number of intimate partners.
3. Ensure regular STD testing for yourself and your partners.
4. Avoid sexual contact with individuals diagnosed with syphilis or undergoing treatment.

 

Can syphilis be cured?

Yes, it is possible and strongly recommended to eliminate syphilis from your body upon diagnosis. Untreated syphilis can result in irreversible long-term health complications.

 

How is syphilis treated?

If syphilis is detected in the primary or secondary stage, a doctor may prescribe penicillin, either orally or intravenously, as the primary treatment. An alternative antibiotic, doxycycline, may be prescribed for those with a penicillin allergy.

Treatment duration depends on the stage of syphilis.

For pregnant women, penicillin is the preferred treatment, and for those with a penicillin allergy, a carefully monitored introduction to treatment is recommended.

 

Can I die from syphilis?

Untreated syphilis can lead to life-threatening complications affecting the heart, nervous system, and mental health. Regular testing and early intervention are essential for protection.

 

What are the complications of syphilis if left untreated?

Without treatment, syphilis can result in persistent complications:

1. Increased risk of HIV: The syphilis chancre in the early stages provides a direct entry point for HIV.
2. Gummas: Small bumps of dead tissue under the skin, on organs, bones, and inside the mouth.
3. Neurosyphilis: Infection spreading to the nervous system, causing various symptoms.
4. Childbirth complications: Possibility of passing syphilis to a newborn during labor (congenital syphilis).
5. Heart disease: Syphilis can cause an inflamed aorta, leading to internal bleeding.

 

What is Laso MD?

With Laso MD, you can quickly connect with a doctor to discuss your symptoms.

We provide a healthcare app for convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors. Log in, request a consultation, and we’ll connect you to a doctor via live chat or video.

Visit our How it Works page for more details.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including necessary prescriptions.