What is syphilis, why is called the French disease, can it lead to infertility, what are the cures and how is it caused?
Experts are warning we're in the midst of a 'sexual health crisis' — this is what you need to know
SYPHILIS is a bacterial infection that’s often passed by sexual contact or intercourse with someone who is infected.
Cases in England soared by 13 per cent between 2013 and 2017 amid concerns England is in a “sexual health crisis”. Here's what you need to know about the STI.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a curable bacterial infection that can cause headaches, joint pains, tiredness and fever.
It's sometimes known as the 'French disease' as the first written records of an outbreak occurred in 15th Century Naples, following a French invasion during the Italian War of 1494-98.
Worryingly, syphilis can have long-term health implications, including brain problems and infertility.
Pregnant women must always be wary of the infection, as it can be passed onto unborn babies.
Cases of syphilis can sometimes go unnoticed for years, so it’s important to get regular check-ups to make sure you haven’t contracted it.
How is syphilis spread?
The bacterial infection is typically caught after close contact with an infected sore.
This can occur through oral, vaginal or anal sex, as well as sharing sex toys with someone who is affected.
As well as sexually active people being at risk, drug users can catch the infection by sharing needles.
In extremely rare cases, it can also be caught following a blood transfusion – even though samples are always tested for syphilis.
Contrary to popular belief, you can’t catch the infection by sharing the same toilet, clothing or cutlery as an infected person.
Worryingly, experts believe the rise of dating apps could be the reason why it’s the fastest growing STI.
Another study found that diseases associated with the Victorian era are rocketing because of falling living standards, financial inequality, and poor diet.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
website outlines the common symptoms of the infection.
Their handy guide shows that primary syphilis can be noticeable when sufferers experience a small, painless sore or ulcer called a chancre.
The sore will typically be on the penis, vagina, or around the anus, although they can sometimes appear in the mouth or on the lips, fingers or buttocks
Most people only have one sore, but some people have several, and you may also have swollen glands in your neck, groin or armpits
A few weeks after these initial symptoms, those with syphilis may experience...
- A blotchy red rash that can appear anywhere on the body, but often develops on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Small skin growths (similar to genital warts) – on women these often appear on the vulva and for both men and women they may appear around the anus
- White patches in the mouth
- Flu-like symptoms, such as tiredness, headaches, joint pains and a high temperature (fever)
- Swollen glands
- Occasionally, patchy hair loss
If untreated, the infection can have a number of health implications, leading to tertiary syphilis.
These include…
- Meningitis
- Strokes
- Dementia symptoms
- Loss of co-ordination
- Numbness
- Vision problems or blindness
- Heart problems
Pregnant women who are unaware they have contracted the STI may risk devastating consequences on their unborn baby.
It can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or a serious infection in the newborn (congenital syphilis).
What to do if you think you have syphilis
Sexually active people are encouraged to take regular STI tests.
If you believe you have contracted the infection, it’s advisable to visit your GP as soon as possible.
The quicker syphilis is treated, the easier it is for your body to fight off the contagion.
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How is syphilis treated?
You can protect yourself against contracting the infection by using condoms during sexual intercourse.
Following a diagnosis of syphilis, patients are either prescribed an injection of antibiotics into the buttocks or a course of antibiotic tablets.
Pregnant woman who have syphilis can also be safely treated with antibiotics.
If the infection has been left for a long period of time, it may take a while for treatment to work.
It’s advisable to avoid sexual contact or activity for two weeks after your treatment ends.
Are cases of syphilis becoming more common?
In August 2018, a spike in syphilis cases was blamed on the rise of dating apps — and the summer heatwave making people more sexually active.
A health board in Wales reported seeing five times as many syphilis diagnoses in the previous four months compared to the same time in 2017.
A spokesperson for Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board said: "There has been an increase in syphilis generally across Wales.
"But we have seen a significant rise across the health board area, particularly over the last six weeks.
"It is possible that the heatwave earlier in the summer led to people becoming more sexually active.
"We also believe social media and the growth of dating websites and apps is another contributory factor."
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