Syphilis
Syphilis is another sexually transmitted disease (STD) that has been around for hundreds, even thousands of years. This STD is caused by bacteria T-palladium (an organism that divides into two and multiplies daily). In the days of Henry VIII many people died from syphilis because there wasn’t a cure. Thanks to modern medicine syphilis is extremely treatable.
Syphilis is generally spread through kissing, vaginal, anal and oral sex. In some rare cases it can be spread through skin to skin contact where there is an opening or crack in the skin. A mother can infect her baby while it is still in the fetus.
The main symptom of syphilis is an open sore or lesion that forms in the vaginal area, on the penis, anus area, on the hands or on or near the mouth. This sore isn’t painful and the initial outbreak may even go unnoticed. In the secondary stage sores appear on the soles of the feet or palms of the hand. A person may experience a sore throat, low grade fever, headache and a rash. Symptoms may disappear and re-appear between 6 months and up to two years. Left untreated the disease will progress and can lead to complications such as heart damage, paralysis and insanity. In rare instances it can result in death.This STD can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin. Most patients will not progress to the late stages, but since there is no way to be sure, you must see a physician for treatment.
