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Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Syphilis is a bacterial infection and one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is caused by a bacterium called Treponema palladium and primarily spreads through sexual contact. Leaving syphilis untreated can lead to severe neurological and cardiovascular problems and chances of other serious infections like HIV.
In 2018, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) recorded 35,063 cases in the United States. It was a stark 14.9% increase in comparison to 2017.
A syphilis test can help detect the bacterium if at risk. It will be the first step towards preventing its development into chronic stages of syphilis infections.
Top three reasons to consider testing yourself for an STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Any person who lives an active sexual life is advised to take a syphilis test including people who have multiple sex partners, and who have unprotected sex.
Syphilis can also be transmitted during childbirth from mother to child. Hence, pregnant women should take a periodic syphilis test during pregnancy and after.
The symptoms of a syphilis infection usually surface 2-3 weeks after exposure to the bacterium. Primary symptoms include small painless sores or chancre on the genitals, anus, or mouth.
Secondary symptoms include red/brown rashes on the palm of the hands and the feet's bottom. It is accompanied by fever, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, and swollen glands. Syphilis can also cause weight loss and hair loss.
Latent syphilis is when the bacterium lies dormant without any symptoms. Following this is a risk of tertiary or late syphilis. It can severely damage the heart, liver, bones, joints, and blood vessels.
Patients may notice tissue swelling or gummas. There are also chances of developing neurosyphilis or congenital syphilis.
These variants of syphilis are fatal and can lead to serious consequences. These include dementia, vision and hearing loss, and seizures. They may also cause abnormal teeth in children, bone complications, and scarring in the genital, anal, and mouth area.
A syphilis test may involve blood samples or samples of spinal fluid. These help screen and diagnose the infection.
The rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test is a syphilis test that looks for antibodies produced by the body's immune in response to the bacterium. The presence of these antibodies determines the presence of syphilis.
Another syphilis test is the venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) test. This syphilis test also looks for antibodies to ascertain the presence of the bacterium. Later tests and diagnoses may directly look for the bacterium if required.
Syphilis, as evident, can cause serious, devastating complications to one's health if left untreated. A syphilis test done at the right time can result in proper treatment and prevention of its spread. Protect yourself and your loved ones. Get a syphilis test and spread awareness of safe and responsible sex.
Visit a nearby lab to get an appointment for a test or order one online. You can get tested after receiving your requisition form or code via email. Results take a few days. Anyone 16 years or above can get tested without the need for a doctor's note. Get tested and stay safe.
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
Top three reasons to consider testing yoursef for and STI
new STI cases in 2018
of the new STI cases were
among youth aged 15-24
people in the USA have an STI
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