Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. For centuries, it wreaked havoc around the world, leaving a trail of illness and death. Fortunately, the discovery of penicillin in the mid-20th century revolutionised syphilis treatment. But today, even with a cure, syphilis cases are on the rise, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The problem lies in ignorance and a lack of education and information about STIs like syphilis. While it is important to take necessary measures against it, it is also crucial to know how it spreads and mind you, sex isn't the only way!
Also Read: What Are Sexually Transmitted Infections? STIs Explained
How Does Syphilis Primarily Spread?
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Tejal Deshmukh, Consultant-Gynaecologist, Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune, shares that syphilis spreads primarily through sexual contact, regardless of whether or not there is penetration or ejaculation involved.
“During sexual activity with an infected partner, the bacteria Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis, enters the body through mucous membranes or cracks in the skin,” he explains.
There's a chance that the infection can transmit from person-to-person by direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre, which can occur in, on, or around the genital areas, as per the CDC.
Safer sex practices, including the correct and consistent use of condoms, can help prevent syphilis.
But that alone does not suffice, as syphilis has other modes of transmission.
Can A Person Get Syphilis Without Sex?
Yes! There are other ways syphilis can spread.
It can transfer from a mother to a foetus during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to congenital syphilis, says Dr Deshmukh.
According to StatPearls Publishing, the condition can affect about 10 lakh pregnancies every year worldwide and can be a major contributor to infant mortality, accounting for more than 3 lakh perinatal deaths worldwide annually.
Other ways the disease can spread include sharing contaminated needles or getting blood transfusions from infected donors.
Dr Deshmukh says, “Knowing various ways of transmission is imperative for executing focused preventive measures, such as endorsing safe sexual practices, improving condom accessibility, testing expectant mothers for syphilis, and ensuring the security of blood transfusions and surgical procedures.”
Also Read: Syphilis: Expert Shares Treatment Options and Vital Preventive Measures
How To Prevent Syphilis?
Some of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of syphilis include:
- Practise safe sex by using condoms.
- Avoiding multiple sexual partners
- Getting tested for STIs and STDs regularly, especially if engaging in high-risk behaviours
- Pregnancy-related diseases should be treated and tested to protect the unborn baby.
- Education and awareness initiatives around syphilis and other STIs are essential.
Conclusion
Syphilis is known to spread through sexual contact, which is why there is an assumption that every person who has it is sexually active and has a sexual partner. But this is wrong to assume, as there are other ways than sex to contract the infection. It can be passed on from a mother to her unborn child during pregnancy or childbirth, or it can be transmitted by sharing contaminated needles or receiving blood transfusions from infected donors. Regardless of how you catch it, addressing the symptoms and getting immediate and appropriate treatment is the way ahead.