Can you still have children with third-stage syphilis?

Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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Third-stage syphilis is the most severe stage of the disease, and it is not possible to have children if one has third-stage syphilis, because syphilis can be transmitted from mother to fetus. The infectivity is particularly strong during the third stage. If a child is conceived at this time, it could lead to stillbirth. Besides stillbirth, even if the child is born by chance, they may have abnormal development or be born with diseases. This is tremendously painful and tormenting for both the parent and child. Therefore, one cannot have children with third-stage syphilis.

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Written by Qu Jing

Dermatology

1min 58sec

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How long is the latency period of syphilis?

Syphilis is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum (TP), primarily transmitted through sexual contact and blood. The impact of syphilis is significant as it can affect all bodily tissues and organs, or can be transmitted through the placenta, leading to stillbirth, miscarriage, premature birth, and congenital infections. When syphilis is suspected, due to its complex clinical manifestations, a detailed medical history should be taken, a thorough physical examination conducted, and repeated laboratory tests performed to ensure an early and accurate diagnosis. It is important to trace back to any unprotected sexual contacts within the last six weeks and to routinely screen the sexual partners of patients for syphilis as well. Syphilis is divided into three stages: The diagnosis of primary syphilis is mainly based on the history of exposure, the incubation period (six weeks), typical clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests, noting that a negative syphilis serology result alone should not exclude the diagnosis of syphilis. The diagnosis of secondary syphilis primarily relies on the history of exposure, typical clinical manifestations, especially skin and mucosal lesions, combined with laboratory tests. The diagnosis of tertiary syphilis is mainly based on the history of exposure, typical clinical manifestations, and laboratory tests. Neurosyphilis can also be assessed through cerebrospinal fluid examination. Congenital syphilis primarily requires a maternal history of the disease, combined with typical clinical manifestations and laboratory tests for diagnosis.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

52sec

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Can tertiary syphilis be treated?

Third-stage syphilis is treatable, but typically, it develops two to three years after the initial syphilis infection, making it more severe than both the first and second stages—this is what we refer to as late-stage syphilis. Therefore, treating third-stage syphilis is somewhat more challenging than treating the first and second stages. Additionally, third-stage syphilis particularly tends to cause damage to cardiovascular, neurological, joint, and other organ systems. If it leads to severe complications, it can easily result in deformities, disabilities, or even death. Therefore, it is crucial to be especially vigilant if diagnosed with third-stage syphilis and to seek timely treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

43sec

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When is the third stage of syphilis?

Tertiary syphilis is a relatively late stage of syphilis, often occurring two to three years after the initial detection of the disease. For patients with a longer course of the disease, it generally appears five to ten years later. Once tertiary syphilis is diagnosed, it is often accompanied by damage to various organ functions, such as the cardiovascular system, bones, skin, and nervous system. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and treat syphilis early and to follow standard treatment protocols with a doctor. Otherwise, once it progresses to tertiary syphilis, it becomes very difficult to cure.

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Written by Zhang Jian Bo

Dermatology

58sec

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What are the early symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis is divided into overt and latent syphilis. Latent syphilis, regardless of whether it is early or late stage, shows no symptoms at all and can only be confirmed by blood testing. The symptoms in the early stage are mainly those of overt syphilis, primarily manifestations of primary syphilis. The stages of primary, secondary, and tertiary syphilis begin with the appearance of a lesion at the site of infection, typically about 0.5 to 1 centimeter in diameter, with a hard, dark red nodule that feels like cartilage. The surface may have ulcers; it may be painless, or there may be no pain at all. Subsequently, nearby lymph nodes may become enlarged. This swelling of the lymph nodes is characterized by being painless, usually unilateral, with no redness or rupture. These are the clear symptoms of overt primary syphilis. If treated properly at this stage, recovery is generally rapid.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

1min 18sec

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Early symptoms of syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, with the disease course within two years referred to as early syphilis. Not all infected individuals display symptoms; asymptomatic syphilis is also known as latent syphilis. Symptomatic early syphilis primarily manifests as either primary or secondary syphilis. The main symptom of primary syphilis is a chancre, typically occurring as a clear-bordered ulcer in the genital area. It is flesh-colored and neither painful nor itchy. Several weeks after the chancre heals, secondary syphilis can develop, characterized by a rash that may resemble other skin conditions. Common manifestations include macules, papular macules, copper-red papules on hands and feet, flat condyloma, and syphilitic alopecia. Individuals who suspect they may have been exposed to syphilis should visit a hospital for a blood test to detect syphilis antibodies. Antibodies can usually be detected four weeks after infection, and a negative result three months later can rule out syphilis.