Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It spreads through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, and oral sex) and direct skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore. It can also be passed from a pregnant mother to her baby, which can lead to serious complications (congenital syphilis).
In this guide, we’ll talk about how syphilis affects your body, the symptoms to look out for, essential medical therapies, supportive home remedies, and prevention tips.
How do people get Syphilis?
These are the most common ways
1. Unprotected Sexual Contact
Syphilis is primarily transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex when a person comes into contact with an infected sore.
2. Skin-to-Skin Contact with a Chancre
Even if there’s no penetration, touching an open sore on the genitals, mouth, or anus can spread the bacteria.
3. Mother-to-Baby Transmission (Congenital Syphilis)
A pregnant woman with syphilis can pass it to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth, leading to serious complications.
4. Rare Transmission through Blood Transfusion
This is extremely uncommon now due to strict screening, but it was a risk in the past.
NOTE: Syphilis does not spread through casual contact like sharing food, hugging, toilet seats, or touching objects.
How does Syphilis Affect your body
The scary thing about syphilis is that it’s a “silent” infection in many cases. People often don’t know they have it because the symptoms can be mild or mistaken for something else. Untreated syphilis can cause severe complications, including damage to the brain, heart, and nervous system.
1. Bacteria Entry– Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum, which enters the body through tiny cuts in the skin or mucous membranes, usually during sexual contact.
2. Spread Through Blood and Lymph – The bacteria multiply at the infection site and then enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system, spreading throughout the body.
3. Stage Progression – Syphilis develops in stages:
- Primary Stage – A painless sore (chancre) appears at the infection site.
- Secondary Stage – A rash, fever, and flu-like symptoms occur as the bacteria spread further.
- Latent Stage – The infection becomes silent, sometimes for years.
- Tertiary Stage – If untreated, the infection can damage organs like the brain, heart, and nerves.
4. Complications – Without treatment, syphilis can cause blindness, paralysis, mental illness, or even death.
How to treat Syphilis
Syphilis is completely curable with antibiotics. The treatment depends on how long you’ve had the infection and what stage it’s in.
1. First-Line Treatment: Penicillin Injections
- The best and most effective treatment for syphilis is an injection of Benzathine penicillin G (also known as Bicillin L-A).
- How many shots you need depends on the stage:
- Primary or Secondary Syphilis (early-stage): One dose of penicillin (1.8 million units).
- Latent Syphilis (infection for more than a year): Three doses given one week apart.
- Neurosyphilis (when it affects the brain or nerves): Requires a stronger regimen of IV penicillin for 10-14 days.
If you’ve ever gotten a penicillin injection, you know it’s not the most pleasant experience—it’s a deep intramuscular shot, and it can hurt a little. But it is certainly worth avoiding the complications of untreated syphilis.
Second Line Treatment
For people who are allergic to penicillin, other antibiotics can be used, such as:
- Doxycycline (100 mg twice a day for 14-28 days)
- Ceftriaxone (intramuscular injection for 10-14 days)
- Azithromycin (single dose, but resistance is increasing, so it is not the first choice)
If you’re pregnant and allergic to penicillin, your doctor may perform desensitization—gradually introducing small doses under supervision until you can tolerate the full amount. This is crucial because penicillin is the only proven treatment to prevent congenital syphilis in babies.
Important Note: Misusing antibiotics contributes to resistance, making infections harder to treat. Always follow a doctor’s guidance when treating syphilis.
What to Expect After Treatment
Once you’re treated, your symptoms will begin to improve, but the bacteria won’t disappear immediately. It takes time for your body to fully clear the infection.
- The sores or rash will heal, but it takes time. This can take a few weeks to months.
- You might feel worse before you feel better. Some people experience the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction—a short-term flu-like reaction after the first treatment. This happens because the bacteria die off quickly, triggering inflammation. You might have fever, chills, headache, or muscle pain, but it usually goes away within 24 hours.
- Follow-up testing is crucial. Your doctor will recommend repeat blood tests at 6, 12, and 24 months to make sure the infection is gone. MAKE SURE YOU ATTEND ALL YOUR APPOINTMENTS. With DRDOGOOD, long cues are never an issue. You consultation can start in the next 5mins.
- You can get syphilis again even after treatment. If your partner isn’t treated or you have unprotected sex with someone who has the infection, reinfection is possible.
Home Remedies To SUPPORT Treatment
It’s important to understand that the medical treatment is the ONLY way to treat syphilis. Home remedies can provide symptomatic relief, but they will not TREAT or CURE the infection.
Below are some natural ways to support your recovery:
1. Boost Your Immune System
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to help your body fight infection.
- Increase vitamin C intake (citrus fruits, bell peppers) to promote healing.
- Get enough sleep (7-9 hours per night) to aid recovery.
- Stay hydrated to flush out toxins.
2. Probiotics for Gut Health
- Antibiotics can disrupt your gut microbiome, leading to digestive issues.
- Eat yogurt and kefir or take probiotic supplements(like Bifimax) to restore healthy bacteria.
3. Herbal Support (With extreme Caution)
- Garlic: Has antibacterial properties that may help support overall immunity.
- Turmeric: Contains anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce symptoms like swollen lymph nodes.
- Green tea: Rich in antioxidants that promote healing.
4. Stress Reduction & Rest
- Chronic stress weakens the immune system. Try meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
- Engage in light exercise, like walking, to improve circulation and recovery.
- Avoid sexual activity until your treatment is complete and a doctor confirms the infection is gone.
- Wash hands regularly to prevent spreading bacteria.
- Change towels, bed linens, and underwear frequently.
Important Reminder:
These remedies do not replace antibiotics. If you don’t treat syphilis, it can lead to serious complications like organ damage and neurological problems. Always follow your doctor’s prescribed treatment plan for full recovery.
Preventing Syphilis
Prevention is always better than treatment. Follow these steps to protect yourself:
1. Use condoms or dental dams during sex. They lower the risk of transmission, though they don’t offer complete protection since syphilis spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
2. Get regular STI tests. Routine screening, especially if you have multiple partners, helps detect syphilis early and prevents complications.
3. Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner have symptoms. If you notice a sore, rash, or any unusual symptoms, get tested before engaging in sex.
4. Talk to your partner(s) about STI testing. Open conversations about sexual health protect both of you from infections.
5. Consider PrEP if you’re at higher risk. While PrEP mainly prevents HIV, people at high risk for HIV are also more vulnerable to syphilis.
Final thoughts
No home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, or alternative therapies can cure syphilis. You must see a doctor and take the proper antibiotics.
That said, you can support your recovery by:
- Take all prescribed medications exactly as directed.
- Avoiding sexual activity until you complete treatment and test negative.
- Practicing safe sex by using condoms and getting regular STI tests.
- Encourage your partner(s) to get tested and treated if needed.
Additional Information
CDC Syphilis Treatment Guidelines
Planned Parenthood Syphilis Overview
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