6 Things To Keep In Mind While Undergoing Treatment For Syphilis!

Syphilis is one of the most communicable sexually transmitted diseases. If left untreated, syphilis can be fatal. It can lead to heart disease, brain damage and blindness. A woman infected with syphilis can also pass it on unknowingly to her baby if she suffers from the disease when pregnant. Syphilis can be easily treated by

-  A blood test
In most cases, a simple blood test can confirm the presence of syphilis by showing signs of the antibodies used to fight it. 

-  Testing the fluid from the sores
This is usually done in the case of primary or secondary syphilis when sores are present on the patient's skin. Looking at a scraping of the sore under a microscope can be used to diagnose syphilis if it shows the presence of the syphilis bacteria.

-  Testing cerebral spinal fluid
This is performed only in extreme cases of syphilis where the disease may have caused complications with your nervous system.

The earlier syphilis is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. You may need additional doses if you have been suffering from syphilis for longer than a year.

When undergoing treatment for syphilis here are a few other points to keep in mind- 

-  Abstain from oral. Vaginal and anal sex until the sores have healed.
-  Get blood tests at regular intervals for atleast a year after treatment. 
-  Get tested for an HIV infection
-  Fevers, nausea, headaches and chills are normal side effects associated with syphilis treatment. 
-  If you have a lesion around your mouth, syphilis can even spread trough kissing another person. 

The good news is that once you've been cured of syphilis, it does not recur. However, it is recommended to always use protection while having intercourse and abstain from sexual activities if your partner suffers from syphilis.