Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacterial infection. It can affect multiple systems in the body. If not treated promptly, it can lead to serious complications and long-term health effects. However, syphilis is completely curable if diagnosed and treated appropriately in the early stages.

Syphilis

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which can be spread through sexual intercourse, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. The disease is divided into 4 stages:

  • Primary Stage: Small sores or hard sores where the infection entered the body.
  • Secondary Stage: A rash or flu-like symptoms.
  • Latent Stage: No symptoms, but the infection remains in the body.
  • Tertiary Stage: The infection affects vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and blood vessels.

Syphilis Symptoms

Primary Stage

  • Small sores or hard sores (chancres) that are painless.
  • Sores may appear on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
  • Sores will heal on their own within 3-6 weeks, even without treatment.

Secondary Stage

  • Red or brown rash on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or other parts of the body.
  • Low-grade fever and fatigue.
  • Swollen lymph nodes.
  • Oral or genital ulcers

Latent Stage

  • No symptoms, but the infection is still present in the body

Tertiary Stage

  • Damage to organs such as the brain, heart, or blood vessels
  • Neurosyphilis symptoms such as dementia or paralysis

Complications of syphilis

  • Neurosyphilis occurs in the third stage, affecting the brain and nervous system
  • Heart and blood vessel disease, damage to major blood vessels or heart valves
  • Congenital syphilis, in infants who get it from their mothers, may have an enlarged liver, spleen, or die in the womb
  • Psychological conditions, severe syphilis can affect behavior and mental health

Diagnosing syphilis

  • Physical examination, your doctor will look for sores or rashes that are characteristic of the disease
  • Blood tests, which look for antibodies that the body makes in response to the infection
  • Sore examination, a sample is taken from the sore to be analyzed for Treponema pallidum
  • Other tests, if a neurological infection is suspected, a spinal tap may be performed.
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Treatment of syphilis

  • Using antibiotics such as penicillin G injection is the most effective treatment. For those who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics such as doxycycline may be used.
  • Monitoring the treatment results Patients should have blood tests periodically to monitor the treatment results.
  • Treatment of sexual partners The patient’s sexual partners should be tested and treated together.
  • Avoiding sex Should abstain from sex until it is confirmed that the disease is completely cured.

Prevention of syphilis

  • Always use a condom to reduce the risk of infection, but it is not 100% effective.
  • Avoid having frequent sexual partners. Having only one sexual partner reduces the risk.
  • Regular sexual health check-ups. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases helps detect the disease in the early stages.
  • Prevention in pregnant women Pregnant women should be tested for syphilis to reduce the risk to the baby.

Syphilis screening at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch

Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch provides syphilis screening services using modern technology for accurate test results. Consultation and treatment guidelines from specialist doctors are also provided.

Syphilis screening process

  • History taking and symptom assessment by a specialist
  • Accurate blood test for syphilis
  • Detailed analysis of test results within a short period of time
  • Recommend treatment plans and provide advice on prevention

Why should you be tested for syphilis at Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch?

  • A team of doctors specializing in sexually transmitted diseases
  • Modern equipment provides fast and accurate test results
  • Private service with a focus on patient data security
  • Provide health advice and guidelines for preventing re-infection

If you suspect that you are at risk of syphilis infection or have any unusual symptoms, you should get tested as soon as possible. Contact Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna branch for consultation and testing services today.

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Contact Channels

Laguna Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic, Laguna Branch is located at 58/1, Cherngtalay Subdistrict, Thalang District, Phuket Province 83100
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 09.00 – 22.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line id. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 236 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/SXaeLrSU9Lx47YPH6
  • Book an appointment online https://pmclaguna.youcanbook.me

Branch in the city

Boat Lagoon Branch

  • Phuket Medical Clinic Boat Lagoon Branch is located at 20/96. Moo 2, Thepkrasattri Rd., Koh Kaew Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province 83000
  • Open every day, Monday – Sunday, 10.00 – 18.00 hrs.
  • Inquire via Line ID. @pmcphuket (with @)
  • Contact number 096 696 2449
  • Clinic map https://maps.app.goo.gl/HbqfUKMEHXuKwan96
  • Book an appointment online https://pmctown.youcanbook.me

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be cured if diagnosed and treated in the early stages. Monitoring symptoms, regular sexual health checkups, and prevention by using condoms are effective ways to reduce the risk of infection. Good sexual health starts with taking care of yourself and taking precautions!

Reference

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Syphilis: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis
  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Global guidance on syphilis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.who.int
  • European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). (2023). Surveillance report on syphilis in Europe. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu
  • กระทรวงสาธารณสุขแห่งประเทศไทย. (2023). แนวทางเวชปฏิบัติสำหรับโรคติดต่อทางเพศสัมพันธ์และโรคซิฟิลิส. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: http://www.ddc.moph.go.th
  • สถาบันบำราศนราดูร. (2023). แนวทางการวินิจฉัยและรักษาโรคซิฟิลิสในประเทศไทย. [ออนไลน์] เข้าถึงได้จาก: https://www.bamras.org