Syphilis Symptoms in Females and How to Treat It

Syphilis is often called the “silent infection” because it can develop unnoticed for weeks or even months. Many women don’t realize they have it until symptoms start to appear or complications arise. This sexually transmitted infection (STI) can mimic other conditions, making it easy to overlook. Without treatment, syphilis can lead to serious health problems, including damage to vital organs.

If you’ve ever had unprotected sex or suspect you may have been exposed, knowing the warning signs can make all the difference. Catching syphilis early is the best way to prevent complications and protect your health. Below, we’ll discuss the symptoms in females, how the infection progresses, and the best ways to treat it.

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Syphilis Symptoms in Females

Syphilis progresses in stages, and each phase presents different symptoms. Some of these signs may be mild, while others can be more severe. The infection moves through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary.

Primary Stage

This is the earliest phase of syphilis, typically occurring 10 to 90 days after exposure. The most noticeable symptom is a painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection. This could be on the genitals, inside the vagina, around the anus, or even in the mouth. Many women don’t notice these sores because they can be hidden or mistaken for minor cuts or ingrown hairs. The sore usually heals on its own within a few weeks, but the infection remains in the body.

Secondary Stage

If left untreated, syphilis moves into the secondary stage, which brings more noticeable symptoms. These may include:

• Skin rashes that appear on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or other parts of the body. These rashes are not itchy and may look like rough red or brown patches.
• Fever and flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Sores or wart-like growths in the genital area or mouth.
• Patchy hair loss or thinning of the eyebrows and scalp.
• Weight loss and general malaise.

These symptoms might last for several weeks before disappearing, even without treatment. However, the infection is still active and progressing in the body.

Latent Stage

The latent stage can last for years, and during this period, there are no visible symptoms. While the infection may seem to have disappeared, it remains in the body and can still cause damage. Some women may never move beyond this stage, but others develop serious complications.

Tertiary Stage

This is the most severe phase, which can occur years or even decades after the initial infection. It can cause irreversible damage to vital organs such as the heart, brain, and nervous system. Possible complications include:

• Brain damage and memory loss
• Blindness or hearing loss
• Paralysis and loss of coordination
• Heart disease and aneurysms

At this stage, syphilis can become life-threatening, and treatment is less effective in reversing the damage.

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How to Treat Syphilis in Females

Syphilis is treatable, but the earlier it’s diagnosed, the better the outcome. The main treatment is antibiotics, typically administered through injections.

Antibiotic Treatment

• Primary and secondary syphilis: A single injection of benzathine penicillin G is usually enough to clear the infection.
• Latent syphilis: If the infection has been present for more than a year, multiple injections may be needed over several weeks.
• Tertiary syphilis: While antibiotics can still kill the bacteria, they cannot reverse any damage already done to the organs.

For those allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin may be prescribed. However, penicillin remains the most effective treatment.

What to Expect After Treatment

Once treated, symptoms usually start to improve within a few days to weeks. However, regular follow-up blood tests are necessary to ensure the infection is completely gone. If you are sexually active, informing your partners and encouraging them to get tested is essential to prevent reinfection.

Preventing Syphilis

The best way to avoid syphilis is through safe sexual practices. Here are some tips:

• Use condoms and dental dams during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners or a new sexual partner.
• Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner have any unexplained sores or rashes.
• Communicate openly with your partners about STI testing and sexual health.

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