Delayed Appearance of the "Great Imitator": How Syphilis is Diagnosed

Delayed Appearance of the "Great Imitator": How Syphilis is Diagnosed
Syphilis was once referred to as the "Great Imitator". Because of the variety of ways in which syphilis
can manifest itself, individuals who are infected with this sexually transmitted disease often do not
realize the full extent of their diagnosis until several weeks or months after infection.
As an individual who may have been exposed to any number of sexually transmitted diseases, it is
important to seek medical attention early and as soon as you suspect you may have a health
complication. Understanding the various signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, such as
syphilis, is important to your health and the health of your sexual partner.
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Syphilis, in its early stages, presents as a chancre sore that is painless. Often, because the sore is
asymptomatic, most individuals infected with syphilis are not even aware of the complication.
As the STD progresses, the symptoms may become slightly more evident, although commonly
misdiagnosed as, in many cases, the genitalia are not affected. Progression often results in swelling and
poor function of the lymph nodes, rash that is intermittent and sporadic through the body and some
evidence of fever. Still, even with these symptoms, many patients believe they are simply suffering
from a flu type complication and assume self treatment which, in many cases, resolves the symptoms.
Self treatment is not a cure for syphilis. Without proper diagnosis, and several months after infection,
lesions begin to develop but, again, there are no symptoms. One with blood work can a physician
accurately diagnose your complication as associated with syphilis.
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Many years after your syphilis infection, you will begin to notice the most substantial impact this STD
will have upon your life. In fact, in some cases, the nervous system and cardiovascular system are
involved, often resulting in heart damage and even early death.
Unlike other STDs, syphilis may not always present as a complication around the genitalia. For this
reason, it is important to use protection when engaging in sexual activity. If you believe you have been
exposed to an STD, such as syphilis, consult a healthcare professional for the appropriate testing and
treatment. Often, with the use of penicillin or doxycycline, orally and intramuscularly, your syphilis
complications can be resolved. For many patients, it is not the fear of diagnosis or treatment that delays
medical attention but, instead, the simple ignorance of infection at all.
Like HIV or AIDs, syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can be confused with other health
complications or completely misdiagnosed altogether. When engaging in unprotected sexually activity,
be certain to see out the advice of a medical provider and obtain the necessary testing into any potential
STD, especially syphilis, as the complications may be long term and life threatening when the STD is
untreated.

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