&lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Syphilis in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Treponema pallidum, subspecies pallidum, is a bacterium that causes the sexually transmitted disease syphilis.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Early detection, treatment, and prevention measures are crucial in addressing the impact of syphilis in Singapore. Regular testing, open communication with partners, and practicing safer sex are fundamental steps in controlling the spread of this sexually transmitted infection.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;What are the Common STDs in Singapore?&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;According to the Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control (Singapore), in 2018, there were about 8,000 STD cases in Singapore.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The common STDs in Singapore were:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/chlamydia&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Chlamydia&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/gonorrhoea&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Gonorrhoea&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/syphilis&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/genital-warts&quot;&gt;Genital Warts&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com/herpes-symptoms-causes-and-treatment&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Herpes Simplex Virus&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How is Syphilis Transmitted?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syphilis spreads through various means, including:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Unprotected Sexual Intercourse:&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Transmission can occur through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Mother-to-Child Transmission:&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;An infected mother can pass syphilis to her baby during childbirth.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Blood Transfusion:&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Though blood donations are screened in Singapore, there is a risk of using contaminated blood products.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Needle Stick Injury:&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;Contamination can occur through sharing intravenous needles or needle stick injuries.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Different Stages of Syphillis Symtopms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syphilis, a stealthy adversary, progresses through distinct stages, each accompanied by its own unique set of signs and symptoms. Recognising these manifestations is crucial for early detection and timely intervention.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syphilis is often referred to as &quot;The Great Pretender&quot; because its symptoms can mimic those of various other illnesses. Nevertheless, syphilis generally progresses through distinct stages, each lasting for weeks, months, or even years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Initial Stage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The primary (first) stage of syphilis is characterised by the emergence of a single chancre, though multiple sores may also develop. The chancre is typically (though not always) firm, round, and painless, emerging at the site where syphilis enters the body. These painless chancres may develop in inconspicuous areas (e.g., the vagina or anus). Lasting 3 to 6 weeks, the chancre heals irrespective of treatment. However, without intervention, the infection advances to the secondary stage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Secondary Stage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The second stage is characterized by skin rashes and/or mucous membrane lesions (sores in the mouth, vagina, or anus). This stage often begins with a rash appearing on one or more parts of the body. The rash:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;may arise as the primary chancre heals or several weeks after its healing.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;typically does not cause itching.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;can manifest as rough, red, or reddish-brown spots on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, though different-looking rashes may appear elsewhere, sometimes resembling those caused by other diseases.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;may be faint and challenging to notice.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Condyloma lata, large raised gray or white lesions, may develop in warm, moist areas such as the mouth, underarms, or groin.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Alongside rashes, secondary syphilis may present with:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fever&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Swollen lymph nodes&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Sore throat&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Patchy hair loss&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Headaches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Weight loss&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Muscle aches&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;Fatigue&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Symptoms of secondary syphilis may resolve with or without treatment, but untreated cases progress to the latent and potentially tertiary stage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Latent Stage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;During the latent (hidden) stage, there are no apparent signs or symptoms of syphilis, even though the infection persists in the body. &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Without treatment, syphilis remains present, regardless of the absence of signs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Early latent syphilis occurs within the past 12 months; late latent syphilis occurs more than 12 months ago; and latent syphilis of unknown duration lacks sufficient evidence to confirm the initial infection&#39;s timing. Latent syphilis can endure for years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Tertiary Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Tertiary syphilis is uncommon and arises in untreated syphilis cases. It may manifest 10&amp;ndash;30 years post-infection and can be fatal. Tertiary syphilis can impact various organ systems, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Symptoms vary depending on the affected organ system.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Neurosyphilis, Ocular Syphilis, and Otosyphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At any phase of infection, syphilis has the potential to invade three distinct systems:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ol&gt;
&lt;li&gt;the nervous system (neurosyphilis)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;the visual system (ocular syphilis)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;the auditory and/or vestibular system (otosyphilis).&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ol&gt;
&lt;p&gt;These infections can give rise to a broad spectrum of symptoms.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Neurosyphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Neurosyphilis may present with a severe headache, impaired muscle movements, muscle weakness or paralysis in specific body parts, numbness, alterations in mental status (including trouble focusing, confusion, and personality changes), and/or dementia (involving memory, thinking, and decision-making issues).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ocular syphilis &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Ocular syphilis may manifest as eye pain or redness, floating spots in the field of vision (&quot;floaters&quot;), sensitivity to light, and changes in vision (blurriness or even blindness).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Otosyphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Otosyphilis symptoms may include hearing loss, ringing or buzzing in the ears (&quot;tinnitus&quot;), balance difficulties, and dizziness or vertigo.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;h2&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Diagnosis and Treatment&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Syphilis is diagnosed through blood tests, typically using at least two different types. Fluids from ulcers or sores may also be tested. If diagnosed, it&#39;s crucial to get tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially HIV.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;At PULSE Clinic, we provide &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rapid Syphilis Testing (Result in 20 mins)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/multiplex-pcr-std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;multiplex STD testing for genital ulcers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;,&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;and other STI types.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-treatment&quot;&gt;Treatment for syphilis&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; involves penicillin injections, with alternative antibiotics available for those allergic to penicillin&amp;mdash;adequate primary, secondary, and latent treatment results in a complete cure. However, in tertiary and congenital syphilis, treatment can halt the disease&#39;s progress but may not reverse permanent damage.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Syphilis Affects Pregnant Individuals and Their Babies&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;When a pregnant individual has syphilis, the infection can be transmitted to their unborn child. All pregnant individuals should undergo syphilis testing during their initial prenatal visit, with additional testing during the third trimester (28 weeks of gestation) and at delivery for those in high-risk areas or with potential exposure to syphilis during pregnancy.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Risk factors for syphilis during pregnancy include engaging in sex with multiple partners, engaging in sex combined with drug use or transactional sex, late entry into prenatal care, methamphetamine or heroin use, incarceration, and unstable housing or homelessness. The risk of reinfection should also be assessed through discussions about ongoing risk behavior and the treatment of sex partners. Testing for syphilis is recommended for anyone delivering a stillborn infant after 20 weeks&#39; gestation.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Depending on the duration of syphilis in a pregnant individual, there is a heightened risk of stillbirth or infant death shortly after birth. Untreated syphilis in pregnancy can lead to infant death in up to 40% of cases. A live-born baby with syphilis may initially show no signs but could develop serious issues if not treated promptly, including developmental delays, seizures, or death. Infants born to syphilis-positive pregnant individuals should undergo congenital syphilis screening and a thorough examination.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow-up and Prevention&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;After treatment, syphilis is not infectious. However, regular follow-up blood tests for up to two years are necessary to confirm the cure. Sexual partners need to undergo testing and treatment to prevent further infections.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prevention measures include:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Safer Sex Practices:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;Using condoms reduces the risk but doesn&#39;t provide 100% protection.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Regular Testing:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&amp;nbsp;Especially for MSM, who should undergo STI/HIV check-ups at least once a year.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;Also read: &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/doxy-pep-singapore&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;Doxy PEP in Singapore&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Syphilis and HIV&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;Being HIV positive increases the risk of syphilis, complicating diagnosis and treatment. Syphilis can accelerate HIV progression by weakening the immune system.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Important Notes&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Abstain from Risky Behaviors:&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Engaging in safer sex practices and avoiding excessive alcohol or recreational drug use during sex is essential.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Serological Scars:&lt;/strong&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;Even after the cure, syphilis blood tests remain positive for life, emphasising the importance of informing future healthcare providers about past syphilis and treatment.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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