STDs Part #4 Hepatitis and HIV

The estimated total number of people living in the US with STD is over sixty-five million. Every year, there are approximately fifteen million new STD cases.

Facts About STDs

• 65 million of people living in the US with STD
• 15 million of new STD cases each year
• 2/3 of all STD's occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger
• one in four new STD cases occur in teenagers
• cervical cancer in women is linked to HPV
• doctors are required to report newly diagnosed STD cases of gonorrhea, syphilis,chlamydia and hepatitis B to state health departments and the CDC
• one in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
• at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives
• 15% of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by untreated STD
• 12% of all infertile American men are infertile because of inflammation of the testicles and sterility caused by untreated STD

HEPATITIS

What is it? There are five types of hepatitis -- A through E -- all of which cause inflammation of the liver. Type D affects only those who also have hepatitis B, and hepatitis E is extremely rare in the United States.

How is it contracted?

Type A hepatitis is contracted through anal-oral contact, by coming in contact with the feces of someone with hepatitis A, or by eating or drinking hepatitis A contaminated food or water.

Type B hepatitis can be contracted from infected blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions, or contaminated drug needles, including tattoo or body-piercing equipment. It can also be spread from a mother to her newborn.

Type C hepatitis is not easily spread through sex. You're more likely to get it through contact with infected blood, contaminated razors, needles, tattoo and body-piercing equipment, or manicure or pedicure tools that haven't been properly sanitized, and a mother can pass it to her baby during delivery.

Type D hepatitis can be passed through contact with infected blood, contaminated needles, or by sexual contact with an HIV-infected person.

Type E hepatitis is most likely to be transmitted in feces, through oral contact, or in water that's been contaminated.

Incubation Period: Two weeks to five months, although hepatitis C can remain dormant for 10 years before symptoms crop up.

Symptoms: When symptoms are present, they are much the same for all five types of hepatitis: mild flu-like symptoms, light stools, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes), fatigue, and fever. Hepatitis A symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Testing: All types of hepatitis are diagnosed with a blood test.

Treatment: Types A and E hepatitis usually resolve over time. If you're traveling to a country where hepatitis A is prevalent, two doses of a vaccine can prevent the disease. There's no vaccine for hepatitis E. For hepatitis B, anti viral medications may help some patients. But like type A, a vaccine that's given in three doses can prevent the disease in the first place. (In fact, hepatitis B is the only STD that's preventable with a vaccine, according to Planned Parenthood.) For hepatitis C and D, interferon and other drugs may help some patients, but there is no vaccine for either type.

If you are not treated: Because types A and E usually go away over time, neither is likely to lead to chronic disease. Types B and C, however, can lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver cancer if not treated; type D can also result in liver cancer.

 HIV / AIDS

What is it? HIV is the acronym for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the body's immune system, leading to full-blown AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is devastating because it leaves the body susceptible to life-threatening infections and certain kinds of cancers.

How is it contracted? Through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, and from an HIV-positive mother to her baby. To prevent it, use a condom every time you have sex; find out the sexual history of any new partners, including their HIV status; and don't share needles if you do intravenous drugs. If you're pregnant and are HIV-positive, talk to your doctor about how to prevent passing the virus along to your child.

Incubation Period: Some people develop symptoms shortly after being infected, but for many it takes more than ten years for symptoms to appear.

Symptoms: Most symptoms of AIDS are not caused directly by HIV, but by an infection or other condition brought on by a weakened immune system. These include severe weight loss, fever, headache, night sweats, fatigue, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. The symptoms tend to last for weeks or months at a time and do not go away without treatment. In some cases, infections result in death.

Testing: A blood test can tell you if you have HIV. Anyone who is sexually active and unsure of the sexual history or HIV status of their partner(s) should be tested every year.

Treatment: So far, there is no cure for AIDS, but some drug regimens that combine medications such as AZT (Retrovir) with ritonavir or norvir are proving effective at strengthening immunity and keeping infections at bay, thereby prolonging the lives of many AIDS sufferers. Combination drug therapy has benefited many people for years, but it is still unclear how long the drugs will remain effective, especially since effectiveness varies significantly from person to person.

The drugs must also be taken in large quantities, usually on a daily basis, and there are many side effects. When drug treatment is stopped, new symptoms can arise, or old ones return. If you're pregnant and HIV-positive, taking AZT throughout the pregnancy and during delivery can reduce the chances that the virus will be transmitted to the baby.

If you are not treated: HIV progresses more rapidly into full-blown AIDS without treatment, usually because of infections that develop as a result of the patient's weakened immune system.

If you are concerned you may have an STD, Come to :

MD Care

400 Westfield Ave

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 691-3800

STDs part #3 Mites and Insects (Crabs/genital lice and Scabies)

The estimated total number of people living in the US with STD is over sixty-five million. Every year, there are approximately fifteen million new STD cases.

Facts About STDs

• 65 million of people living in the US with STD
• 15 million of new STD cases each year
• 2/3 of all STD's occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger
• one in four new STD cases occur in teenagers
• cervical cancer in women is linked to HPV
• doctors are required to report newly diagnosed STD cases of gonorrhea, syphilis,chlamydia and hepatitis B to state health departments and the CDC
• one in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
• at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives
• 15% of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by untreated STD
• 12% of all infertile American men are infertile because of inflammation of the testicles and sterility caused by untreated STD

CRABS (Pubic Lice)

What is it? Tiny insects that live off human blood. Although they're often found around the genitals, they can live in any part of the body with hair.

How is it contracted? Through sexual transmission, skin-to-skin contact, or in clothing, bedding, or on a toilet seat harboring the insects.

Symptoms: Itching in the genital area or any other part of the body with hair.

Testing: Pubic lice are very small, whitish-gray parasites that look like crabs. You'll be able to see the insects or their eggs (which are pearl-colored and oval-shaped) in your hair. You may notice that the skin under your hair is red and scaly, or there may be small blue spots -- signs of lice bites. If you're unsure whether or not you have lice, see your doctor.

Treatment: Over-the-counter lotions that contain the chemical permethrin such as Rid and Nix will get rid of the lice. (Talk to your doctor before using any product that contains the chemical lindane, which can be toxic, especially for unborn children.) After washing with the lotion, use a fine-toothed comb to comb out the crabs and their eggs (called nits). Your sexual partner(s) must be treated as well, and all clothing or bedding that may be infested must be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. In some cases, clothing, towels, or bedding may need to be washed a few times before they're completely lice-free.

If you are not treated: If you don't seek treatment you're likely to pass pubic lice on to any sexual partners, or anyone else you're in close contact with

SCABIES 

What is it? A mite that burrows under the skin and lays eggs.

How is it contracted? Through close contact or through sleeping in bedding or wearing clothes that are infested. Rarely, holding or shaking hands can transmit scabies.

Symptoms: Signs of a scabies infestation include intense itching, or small bumps or a rash on the penis, between the fingers, on buttocks, breasts, wrists, thighs, or around the navel.

Testing: A dermatologist will perform several different tests on the surface of the skin.

Treatment: Creams and lotions containing permethrin such as Rid and Nix must be applied to the whole body from the neck down. (As with pubic lice, products containing lindane may be harmful to the fetus if used by a pregnant woman; check with your doctor.) Change clothing and sleep on freshly laundered sheets after you've applied the lotion. Any bedding or clothing that may have been infested should be washed with very hot water or dry-cleaned.

If you are not treated: Continued scratching can cause an infection, and if it left untreated, scabies can be transmitted to anyone you come in close contact with.

If you are concerned you may have an STD, Come to :

MD Care

400 Westfield Ave

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 691-3800

STDs Part #2 discharge or painful urination (Chlamydia, Gonorrhea,Trichomoniasis, Yeast, Bacterial vaginosis,)

The estimated total number of people living in the US with STD is over sixty-five million. Every year, there are approximately fifteen million new STD cases.

Facts About STDs

• 65 million of people living in the US with STD
• 15 million of new STD cases each year
• 2/3 of all STD's occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger
• one in four new STD cases occur in teenagers
• cervical cancer in women is linked to HPV
• doctors are required to report newly diagnosed STD cases of gonorrhea, syphilis,chlamydia and hepatitis B to state health departments and the CDC
• one in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
• at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives
• 15% of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by untreated STD
• 12% of all infertile American men are infertile because of inflammation of the testicles and sterility caused by untreated STD

CHLAMYDIA

What is it? It is a bacterial infection which usually infects the genitals of both men and women, but can also infect the throat, rectum and eyes. Chlamydia is one of the most common STD's - and because more than 50% who have chlamydia have no symptoms at all - chlamydia infection usually goes untreated.

How is Chlamydia Contracted? Chlamydia is mainly passed through sexual activity: vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner, oral sex (although this is less common), sharing sex toys, touching parts of the body with fingers (for example, chlamydia often occurs in the eyes)

Signs and Symptoms of Chlamydia: 2/3 of women and 1/2 of men who have chlamydia have no symptoms at all; others have symptoms so mild they aren't noticeable.

Chlamydia Symptoms in Women: an unusual vaginal discharge, pain or a burning sensation when passing urine, bleeding between periods, pain during sex or bleeding after sex, low abdominal pain sometimes with nausea

Chlamydia Symptoms in Men:white/cloudy, watery discharge from the tip of the penis, pain or a burning sensation when passing urine, testicular pain and/or swelling

Testing of Chlamydia: A urine test and a swab test collecting fluid from the penis or vagina. (Swab test is obtained by briefly placing a swab in the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis; this causes brief discomfort and a burning sensation)

Treatment of Chlamydia: Chlamydia is simple to treat with antibiotics, either a single dose or a course lasting up to two weeks. To avoid re-infection, any sexual partners should be treated too. Treatinggonorrhea is advocated for patients being treated for chlamydia, and vice versa (50% have both infections together)

If Chlamydia is Not Treated: Without treatment, chlamydia infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and serious long-term health problems.

In women, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, which can lead to: ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb), blocked fallopian tubes (the tubes which carry the egg from the ovaries to the womb), which can result in reduced fertility or infertility, long-term pelvic pain, early miscarriage or premature birth

In men, chlamydia can lead to: painful inflammation of the testicles, which may result in reduced fertility or sterility

Gonorrhea

What is it? It is a highly contagious sexually transmitted STD bacterial infection, sometimes referred to as the clap. 

How is Gonorrhea Contracted?Gonorrhea spreads through semen or vaginal fluids during unprotected sexual contact, heterosexual or homosexual, with an infected partner:vaginal or anal sex with an infected partner, oral sex, although this is less common, sharing sex toys, touching parts of the body with fingers (for example, touching the private parts and then the eyes), any very close physical contact, the bacteria can be passed from hand to hand (very rare isolated cases), from a mother to her baby at birth

Symptoms of Gonorrhea 1/2 of women and 1/10 of men who have gonorrhea have no symptoms at all. Women's symptoms can include discharge from the vagina, frequent urination, pain or burning when urinating, and pain between periods. Men are most likely to experience pain during urination and discharge from the penis. The throat infection rarely shows symptoms.

Gonorrhea Testing:A urine test & a swab test - collecting fluid from the penis or vagina by placing a swab in the opening of the urethra; this causes brief discomfort.

Gonorrhea Treatment 

Early treatment is simple; effective; involves a single dose of antibiotics. In addition, the treatment of chlamydia is also advocated. (It is common to have these two STD infections together – 50% have both)

To avoid re-infection, any sexual partners should be treated too.It's important not to have unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex until treatment is completed & the infection has cleared up

Once it has been successfully treated, it won't come back unless a new infection is picked up.

If Gonorrhea Not TreatedGonorrhea infection can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body, causing damage and serious problems.

In women, it can cause:life-threatening complications such as ectopic pregnancy (outside the womb), blocked fallopian tubes (the tubes which carry the egg from the ovaries to the womb), which can result in reduced fertility or infertility, long-term pelvic pain 

In men, it can lead to:painful inflammation of the testicles, which may result in reduced fertility or sterility

Occasionally, Reiter's syndrome (inflammation of the joints, urethra and eyes)

TRICHOMONIASIS 

What is Trichomoniasis? Trichomoniasis, (also called "trich") is a common sexually transmitted disease (STD) that affects both men and women. Trichomoniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite calledTrichomonas vaginalis and is a cause of vaginal infections in women and urethral infections in men. Trichomoniasis is an STD that affects approximately 5 million people in the US every year. Trichomoniasis is one of the most common, curable causes of vaginal infections in women.

How is Trichomoniasis contracted? Trichomoniasis is spread through sexual contact, as all other STD's. Transmission can occur even if a person does not have symptoms of infection. Women contract trichomoniasis from infected male or female partners while men usually contract it only from female partners. Using condoms and/or dental dams provide some protection. Their use is strongly encouraged, but is not 100% safe. Trichomoniasis can also survive on infected objects like sheets, towels, and underwear and could be transmitted by sharing them.

Trichomoniasis Symptoms Many people with trichomoniasis experience no symptoms. If there are symptoms, the most common trichomoniasis symptoms include: 

Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Women: Genital itching and/or burning, Vaginal or vulval redness, Frothy yellow-green vaginal discharge with a strong odor, Blood spotting, Frequent and/or painful urination, Discomfort during intercourse, Abdominal pain

Trichomoniasis Symptoms in Men: Men are usually asymptomatic, but if a man has symptoms, they can include: Unusual penile discharge, Painful urination, Burning sensation after ejaculation, Tingling inside the penis.

Testing: A medical provider will take a swab of fluid from a male's urethra or from a female's vagina and will examine it under a microscope to see if trichomoniasis is present.

Treatment: Antibiotics. It is especially important that both partners are treated at the same time because an infected man, even a man who has never had symptoms or whose symptoms have stopped, can continue to infect a female partner until he has been treated. Anyone being treated for trichomoniasis should avoid sex until they and their sex partners have completed the treatment.

If you are not treated: As mentioned above, trichomoniasis is one of the most common and most curable STD's. The symptoms are more annoying than they are threatening to your health. The genital inflammation caused by trichomoniasis might however, increase a person's risk of acquiring HIV infection if s/he is exposed to HIV or might also increase the chances of transmitting HIV infection to a sex partner. In rare case, trichomoniasis in pregnant women may cause a premature rupture of the membranes and early delivery.

VAGINAL YEAST INFECTION

What is it? A naturally occurring fungus called Candida albicans (C. albicans) usually causes this type of vaginitis. An estimated three out of four women will have a yeast infection in their lifetime.

How is it contracted? Yeast infections occur when certain internal or external factors change the normal environment of your vagina and trigger an overgrowth of a microscopic fungus — the most common being a fungus called Candida albicans (C. albicans). Besides causing most vaginal yeast infections, C. albicans also causes infections in other moist areas of your body, such as your mouth (thrush), skin folds and fingernail beds. The fungi can also cause diaper rash.

Factors that increase your risk of yeast infections include: Medications such as antibiotics and steroids, Uncontrolled diabetes, Hormonal changes, such as those associated with pregnancy and birth control pills, Bubble baths, vaginal contraceptives, damp or tightfitting clothing and feminine hygiene products such as sprays and deodorants don't cause yeast infections, but they may increase your susceptibility to infection.

Symptoms: The main symptom is itching, but you may have a white, thick discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

Testing: Your doctor may take a sample of a cervical or vaginal discharge for laboratory analysis.

Treatment: Antibiotics - Diflucan 150 mg one single dose .

If you are not treated: Generally, vaginal yeast infections don't cause serious complications. If it is not treated the itch may persist.

YEAST INFECTION IN MEN (Balanitis)

What is it? Men can get yeast infection of the genitals. Yeast organisms are a common cause of infection of the tip of the penis, a condition called balanitis.

How is it contracted? Almost from anywhere; nevertheless, one is more likely to get balanitis if you: Are uncircumcised, Have diabetes

Symptoms: Itching or burning of the tip of the penis or the foreskin. A red rash on the affected areas.

Testing: Physical examination of the red rash in the affected area.

Treatment: If you're uncircumcised, you can help prevent balanitis by practicing good hygiene. Each day, gently pull back (retract) the foreskin on your penis and clean the skin with soap and water. Then dry the skin carefully. You may also apply an antifungal cream periodically to prevent recurrence.

Treatment of balanitis includes: Cleaning under the foreskin of the penis, Applying antifungal creams at least twice a day, 

Recurrent balanitis: Diflucan 150 mg one single dose

BACTERIAL VAGINOSIS (BV)

What is bacterial vaginosis? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) results from overgrowth of one of several organisms that are normally present in the vagina, upsetting the natural balance of vaginal bacteria. More than one in six women in the United States has bacterial vaginosis, though many aren't aware of having it.  

How is bacterial vaginosis contracted? Bacterial vaginosis (BV) results from an overgrowth of organisms that are normally present in the vagina. Usually, "good" bacteria outnumber "bad" bacteria in your vagina. But if bad bacteria become too numerous, they upset the balance and bacterial vaginosis results. This type of vaginitis (bacterial vaginosis) can spread during sexual intercourse, but it also occurs in people who aren't sexually active. Women with new or multiple sex partners, as well as women who douche or use an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control, have a higher risk of bacterial vaginosis. 

Symptoms of bacterial vaginosis: You may develop a grayish-white, foul-smelling discharge. The odor, often described as fish-like, may be more obvious after sexual intercourse.

Testing for bacterial vaginosis: Your doctor may take a sample of a cervical or vaginal discharge for laboratory analysis

Treatment of bacterial vaginosis: Antibiotics -

If you are not treated: Bacterial vaginosis is usually not serious. In some cases, however, it can cause infections in the uterus and fallopian tubes. It is important to treat bacterial vaginosis, especially before having an IUD inserted, an abortion, or tests done on the uterine lining. Both trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis have been linked to an increased risk of transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases.

If you are concerned you may have an STD, Come to :

MD Care

400 Westfield Ave

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 691-3800

STDs Part #1 Sores, rashes, bumps(Chancroid, Herpes,HPV/Warts, Syphilis)

The estimated total number of people living in the US with STD is over sixty-five million. Every year, there are approximately fifteen million new STD cases.

Facts About STDs

• 65 million of people living in the US with STD
• 15 million of new STD cases each year
• 2/3 of all STD's occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger
• one in four new STD cases occur in teenagers
• cervical cancer in women is linked to HPV
• doctors are required to report newly diagnosed STD cases of gonorrhea, syphilis,chlamydia and hepatitis B to state health departments and the CDC
• one in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
• at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives
• 15% of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by untreated STD
• 12% of all infertile American men are infertile because of inflammation of the testicles and sterility caused by untreated STD

CHANCROID 

What is it? A bacterial infection that results in sores on the mouth, throat, lips, anus, tongue, vagina, or penis

How is it contracted? You can get chancroid sores or spread them through skin-to-skin contact with open sores, from hands that have touched a sore, or from sex toys such as a vibrator or dildo that have touched a sore.

Symptoms:Painful open sores on the genitals, and, in some cases, swollen and tender lymph nodes in the groin. Women may be less likely to get the sores; instead, their symptoms may include painful urination or defecation, painful intercourse, rectal bleeding, or vaginal discharge.

Testing: Chancroid lesions can look like syphilis or genital herpes, so a doctor needs to analyze the discharge from the sores to get an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment: Antibiotics are usually effective.

HERPES (Herpes Simplex)

What is it? Two types of a viral infection characterized by periodic outbreaks of painful sores. Stress, sunburn, and certain foods are the primary causes of a herpes outbreak.

How is it contracted? Both herpes simplex virus-1 and virus-2 may be transmitted through sex, or by kissing or touching any affected area. A condom can prevent herpes transmission during vaginal or anal sex, but oral contact with genitals or open sores anywhere can spread the disease. Washing hands can also minimize transmission.

Symptoms: Herpes simplex virus-1 usually shows up as cold sores or blisters. For those who have herpes simplex virus-2, some have no symptoms, while others may show signs of an infection from five to twenty days after having sex with an infected partner. Early symptoms can include a burning sensation in the genitals, low back pain, pain when urinating, and flu-like symptoms. A short while later, small red bumps may appear around the genitals or on the mouth; later these bumps become painful blisters which then crust over, form a scab, and heal.

Testing: Your doctor will examine the sores and test fluid from the blisters.

Treatment: Symptoms can be relieved with medications, but the virus remains with you over your lifetime, and outbreaks may come and go.

HPV / Genital Warts

What is it? Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) - a group of more than 70 viruses, some of which can lead to cervical cancer. Several strains of HPV cause external genital warts. 

How is it contracted? Through oral, anal, and vaginal sex and through skin-to-skin contact. To help prevent infection, use a condom. It's not clear exactly how effective condoms are at protecting against HPV and genital warts, but they will protect you against other STDs, including HIV. 

Symptoms: Many types of HPV have no symptoms, though some cause visible genital warts that may be found in the vagina or urethra or on the cervix, vulva, penis, or anus. Rarely, they are found in the mouth or throat. Warts are often flesh-colored, soft to the touch, and may look like miniature cauliflower florets. They usually grow in more than one area and are often painless, although they may itch.

Testing: Once a woman becomes sexually active, or by age 18, she should get an annual Pap smear to detect any abnormal changes in the cervix. Pap smears are the first line of defense against the HPV family of viruses, which is typically without symptoms. If your Pap test comes back abnormal, your doctor will likely order a second one to confirm the results. A cervical DNA swab test can also be performed to identify which specific HPV virus you have (only a few types of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer and these are usually not the ones that cause genital warts). If HPV is found, a colposcopy -- a test that examines the tissues of the vagina and cervix using a magnifying lens -- is usually ordered.

Treatment: There is no cure for HPV, so treatment aims at controlling outbreaks of warts -- if you have a strain that causes visible warts. If a woman is diagnosed with certain strains of HPV, her doctor may suggest a biopsy of cervical tissue to check for signs of cancer. It is important to note that many women with HPV do not get cervical cancer, but HPV infection is an important risk factor for the disease. Further treatment varies widely depending on what your doctor learns from a colposcopy, DNA testing, and/or a biopsy of cervical tissue.

To treat visible genital warts, there are several chemicals that can be directly applied. Some are prescribed for use at home, others may cause discomfort and must only be used under a doctor's supervision, and some may not be used during pregnancy. Genital warts also may be removed using cryotherapy (freezing), burned off with electrocauterization, or removed with surgery or lasers. In at least 30 percent of treated cases, the warts grow back again.

If you are not treated:Since there are strains of HPV that are linked to cervical cancer, failing to seek treatment can be fatal. But since many types of HPV are basically harmless, they need only be monitored with yearly Pap smears (or more frequently -- every three to six months -- if a result comes back abnormal).

If genital warts are allowed to grow without treatment, they can block the vagina, urethra, or anus, and become very uncomfortable. Depending on where they are on the body, genital warts can cause sores and bleeding. An increase in the size and number of the warts is also more likely during pregnancy and when a person's immune system is compromised by diabetes, an organ transplant, Hodgkin's disease, or HIV/AIDS, among other condition.

SYPHILIS

What is it? A bacterial infection caused by an organism called a spirochete.

How is it contracted? Through oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or via intimate touching or kissing. Mothers can pass it to their babies by touching syphilis sores (chancres) and then touching the baby

Symptoms: During the first stage of a syphilis infection, painless sores or open ulcers may appear on the anus, vagina, penis, or inside the mouth, and occasionally on other parts of the body. During the second stage (roughly three weeks to three months after the first symptoms appear), an infected person may experience flu-like symptoms and possibly hair loss or a rash on the soles and palms -- and in some cases all over the body. There are also latent phases of syphilis infection during which symptoms are absent.

Testing: Diagnosis of syphilis is done through a blood test and/or examination of secretions from chancres.

Treatment: Antibiotic injections or Pills.

If you are not treated: Untreated syphilis can lead to serious damage to the brain and the nervous system; mental deterioration; a loss of balance, vision, and sensation; leg pain; and heart disease. A fetus is at particular risk if the mother doesn't seek treatment; the chances for stillbirth and serious birth defects, including blindness, are very high.

If you are concerned you may have an STD, Come to :

MD Care

400 Westfield Ave

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 691-3800