31-07-2024
Syphilis is a Preventable and Curable Sexually Transmitted Infection: How to Protect Yourself
According to the National Public Health Centre (NPHC), the incidence of syphilis in Lithuania has decreased threefold over the last ten years (2013-2023), from 9.1 to 2.6 cases per 100,000 population. This year, 58 new cases of syphilis were registered between January and June, compared to 76 cases (including one case of congenital syphilis) diagnosed over the last year, and 86 cases in 2022. The epidemiological situation in the European Union (EU) countries and Lithuania differs: in Lithuania, the incidence of syphilis is decreasing, while in the EU, it is steadily increasing. In Lithuania, syphilis in men is diagnosed twice as often as in women, while in the EU, in men it is 8.5 times more common than in women. NPHC specialists point out that the disease is cured with antibiotics and remind people of the ways of its transmission, symptoms, and protection measures.
How is Syphilis Transmitted?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which enters the body through mucous membranes (genital, oral, rectal) or small skin lesions (cracks) during sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal), when the surface of the skin or mucous membranes of the infected person are affected by rashes. A woman infected with syphilis during pregnancy can pass the infection to her newborn. Syphilis can also be contracted through injecting drug use, sharing contaminated syringes and needles, or transfusion of contaminated blood or blood components.
Symptoms May Not Be Present
Primary symptoms appear 10-90 days (three weeks on average) after infection. A painless ulcer (chancre) appears at the site of infection, usually in the vagina, penis, anus, rectum, mouth, or tongue. After 3-10 weeks, the ulcer may heal on its own, but if no treatment is given, the infection progresses to a secondary stage. In this stage, a non-contagious skin rash can be observed, often appearing on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Symptoms such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, patchy hair loss, weight loss, and severe fatigue may occur. These symptoms may disappear on their own, but if left untreated, latent syphilis, which has no symptoms or signs, can develop. If syphilis is left untreated for 10-30 years after infection, tertiary syphilis, which affects internal organs such as the heart, blood vessels, or nervous system, can develop.
If syphilis is not detected or treated in time during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. Congenital syphilis can be asymptomatic in infants or can lead to pathology in several organs (liver, spleen, eyes, ears). To protect infants, since 2007, all pregnant women in the country can get tested for syphilis free of charge. Pregnant women are tested twice: up to 14 weeks of pregnancy and between 29-41 weeks of pregnancy.
How to Protect Yourself
Safe sex is one of the most important factors in preventing STIs. Therefore, it is recommended to have long-term, mutually monogamous sex with a person who knows they are free from STIs. Condoms can also reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
It is important to note that condoms protect against syphilis by preventing contact with the area of infection, i.e., the area of the body that is exposed. Sometimes condoms cannot cover all the areas that have been affected, so it is still possible to get infected if you come into contact with them.
If syphilis is suspected, it is advisable to see a doctor immediately and follow the prescribed treatment.