Understanding Syphilis: Why Awareness, Testing, and Early Care Matter

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has been known for centuries, yet it continues to affect individuals and communities today. Despite being preventable and curable, syphilis often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms can be mild, mistaken for other conditions, or disappear without treatment.

At LifeCare Partners Nevada, education is a cornerstone of prevention. Understanding how syphilis develops, how it affects the body, and why early testing matters empowers people to protect their health and the health of others.

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It is most commonly spread through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy, leading to congenital syphilis, which can cause serious health complications.

Syphilis does not develop all at once. Instead, it progresses through stages, and each stage affects the body differently.

The Stages of Syphilis: Why It’s Often Missed

One of the biggest challenges with syphilis is that symptoms can be subtle or temporary. Even when symptoms go away, the infection remains in the body unless treated.

Primary Stage
The first sign is often a painless sore (called a chancre) at the site of infection. Because the sore does not usually hurt and may be located in less visible areas, many people never notice it.

Secondary Stage
Weeks later, symptoms may include a rash (often on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet), fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or sore throat. These symptoms can resemble other common illnesses.

Latent Stage
During this stage, there are no visible symptoms. However, the infection is still present and can remain in the body for years.

Late (Tertiary) Stage
If untreated, syphilis can damage the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs. This stage can lead to serious disability or even death.

Why Early Testing Is Essential

Syphilis is easiest to treat in its early stages. Because symptoms can disappear on their own, testing is the only reliable way to know if someone has syphilis.

Routine screening is especially important for:

• Sexually active individuals
• People with multiple or new partners
• Pregnant individuals
• People living with HIV
• Anyone diagnosed with another STI

Early detection protects not only the individual but also their partners and, in pregnancy, the developing baby.

Syphilis and Pregnancy: A Critical Public Health Concern

Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can be passed to the baby, causing miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or serious lifelong health conditions. This is known as congenital syphilis.

The good news is that screening and treatment during pregnancy are highly effective. Prenatal syphilis testing is a vital part of protecting both parent and child and is recommended early in pregnancy and, in some cases, again later.

Treatment and Recovery

Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin. The type and length of treatment depend on the stage of infection.

Treatment:

• Stops the infection from progressing
• Prevents further damage to the body
• Reduces the risk of transmission to others

However, treatment cannot reverse damage already done in later stages, which is why early diagnosis is so important.

After treatment, follow-up testing ensures the infection has been fully cleared.

Prevention Through Knowledge and Care

Preventing syphilis involves a combination of education and routine health care:

• Using condoms and barrier protection consistently
• Getting regular STI screenings
• Communicating openly with partners
• Seeking prompt care if symptoms appear
• Attending all recommended prenatal visits during pregnancy

Prevention is not about judgment—it is about access to information, testing, and compassionate care.

Reducing Stigma Through Education

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to STI prevention and treatment. Syphilis can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or background. Normalizing conversations about sexual health helps people seek care earlier and reduces long-term health risks.

At LifeCare Partners Nevada, we believe education saves lives. By understanding syphilis and prioritizing regular testing, individuals can take control of their health with confidence and dignity.

Takeaway: Knowledge Is Prevention

Syphilis is preventable, detectable, and curable—but only if people have access to education and testing. Learning how syphilis affects the body and why early care matters is a powerful step toward healthier individuals and communities.