Among all the bacterial STDs, syphilis is the most common. The disease develops in distinct stages (discussed below), each with different signs and symptoms. Thus, getting tested for the presence of syphilis germ becomes highly essential. Although there are various types of syphilis blood screening tests available, determining the best one is often confusing. Worry not – this blog will solve all your doubts regarding syphilis blood tests. It guides you on how these tests work and also helps you in obtaining the same from a private sexual health clinic. Read on to learn more!
Syphilis: A brief overview
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium, Treponema pallidum. It passes to healthy individuals through the vaginal, anal and oral routes and can infect unborn foetuses, too (in case the mother is pregnant). As mentioned, the infection progresses without exhibiting any early symptoms until it has deteriorated to a huge extent. Symptoms may persist for several weeks, months or even up to years. In the primary stage, the signs are mild and often go unnoticed. This way, an infected individual may unknowingly transmit the infection to healthy people. If syphilis germ is indicated early, the treatment becomes the most effective. However, if left untreated for long, it can become severe and result in long-term complications, especially damaging the reproductive system. In extreme cases, a person may die too!
How can the syphilis germ be detected?
An antibody-blood test is one reliable way to detect the syphilis germ. However, a single test is not sufficient to catch it, and it requires multiple analyses. When an individual contracts the syphilis infection, the body starts producing antibodies against the antigen(germ). Typically, the doctor recommends taking the test within one week of contracting syphilis as the level of antibodies goes up by then and does not give false negatives. Continue reading below to learn about blood testing for syphilis, the symptoms associated with this STD and the possible ways of treatment.
What are the types of blood tests for syphilis?
Two commonly used blood screening tests for syphilis are Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL), respectively. These help to detect infections at a much earlier stage when the treatment is most effective. Here’s how these tests work. Both tests involve quantifying antibodies against the syphilis bacteria. The typical time you can expect the results is one to two days. Often, a series of blood tests are needed to confirm or cancel out the possibility of an infection. Suppose you get a positive result; additional tests will be needed. Similarly, if you obtain a negative outcome, the doctor will ask you to wait for a few weeks and then retake the test. Do you know the reason behind this? Both RPR and VDRL tests have a higher chance of returning a false negative. Therefore, it is very crucial to repeat the testing procedure.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
By now, we have learned about blood tests for detecting syphilis. But now, the most important question arises: when should one visit a clinic for a blood test?
Since syphilis symptoms do not appear early, you may not know if you are infected or not. However, the onset of symptoms includes the following, which you must not ignore:
- Small-sized open sores or ulcers on the private parts. For example, the penis, vagina or the surrounding regions of the anus. It can also become apparent in other places, such as the mouth.
- A blotchy rash affecting the palms and soles. Often, it is associated with persistent itchiness and redness.
- Small outbreaks in the skin (similar to genital warts) may develop on the vulva in females. Sometimes, it may surround the anal region of both males and females.
- White patches in the mouth
- Extreme tiredness and headaches
- Pain in the joints and a high body temperature. Also, lymphatic ducts may swell (present in the neck, groin or underarms).
How does syphilis spread?
One of the transmission routes through which syphilis germ spreads is coming into close contact with an infected sore. This generally happens when an individual engages in unprotected sexual activity with someone who has the bacteria in his body. Also, if someone shares personal objects such as sex toys, ointments for private parts, etc., he runs at a high risk of contracting the infection.
However, you can catch this STD even through blood transfusions and drug intake through infected needles. The positive news is that such scenarios are rare, as donated blood is always tested to see if syphilis germ is present.
(Note: There is a myth that STDs spread through using public washrooms and sharing utensils. However, this is not at all true.)
What are the common treatment methods for syphilis?
Here’s a list of treatment procedures for syphilis:
- Antibiotic injection: It is jabbed generally on the buttocks, and most people require only a single dose. However, it is best to take three injections every week if you have suffered from syphilis for a long time.
- Medications: It is a course of antibiotic tablets that must be taken at two to four weeks. The frequency of medication depends on how long one has been infected with syphilis.
It is advisable to abstain from any sexual activity while you are infected and also if you seem recovered.
Conclusion
Like all other sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis causes long-term ailments when left untreated for long. However, with the advent of sophisticated testing procedures, detecting this disease’s presence has become easier. Many private clinics in London offer the benefit of sexual health screening at an affordable price, which also maintains confidentiality while assessing your health status. Additionally, patients do not have to wait long to obtain treatment like the NHS. Thus, if you have been experiencing any discomfort or abnormality in your private parts for a long time, do not shy away. Book a syphilis test in London now and address your issues before it gets too late!