What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, primarily transmitted through sexual contact. In recent years, the number of reported cases in Japan has surged, affecting a wide range of ages and genders, not limited to specific demographics.
Main Routes of Transmission
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Genital-to-genital sexual intercourse
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Oral sex (infection from lesions in the mouth or oral cavity)
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Anal sex
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Kissing (if there are oral lesions)
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Mother-to-child transmission (congenital syphilis via the placenta)
Stages of Syphilis Progression
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Stage |
Estimated Timeframe |
Main Symptoms |
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Primary |
3-6 weeks post-infection |
Painless firm ulcer (chancre) appears at the infection site (genitals, lips, anus, etc.). Often overlooked as it disappears naturally. |
|
Secondary |
3 months - 3 years post-infection |
Rash over the entire body, including palms and soles (roseola), fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes. |
|
Latent |
After Secondary Stage |
Symptoms disappear, but the infection continues to progress within the body. |
|
Tertiary & Quaternary |
Several years post-infection |
Severe damage to organs such as the heart, blood vessels, nerves, and brain (gummas, aortic aneurysm, neurosyphilis, etc.). |
While the symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis may disappear naturally, this does not mean that you have been cured. The infection will continue to progress within your body unless treated.
About Testing
Syphilis is diagnosed through blood tests (syphilis serological tests such as RPR and TPHA methods). Immediately after infection, it may take time for antibodies to be detected (window period), so retesting may be necessary after a certain period if the risky behavior occurred recently.
Treatment Methods
The standard treatment for syphilis is penicillin antibiotics. Depending on the stage and symptoms, treatment involves oral medication or injections (intramuscular).
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Content |
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Online availability |
Medical questionnaire, guidance on testing kits, and oral medication treatment depending on the stage. |
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Requires in-person visit |
Penicillin injection treatment, detailed examination for severe cases such as neurosyphilis, and treatment during pregnancy. |
Online Treatment Process
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① Provisional payment & pre-consultation: Enter the course of your symptoms and the timing of any risky behavior.
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② Online consultation: The doctor will diagnose and determine the treatment plan via video call.
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③ If applicable, oral medication will be shipped as early as the same day. If injection treatment is required, an in-person visit will be arranged.
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④ Confirm cure with regular follow-up tests after treatment.
Post-Treatment Precautions
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Refrain from sexual intercourse until treatment is complete.
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Regular blood tests (to monitor antibody titers) are necessary even after treatment.
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Partner testing and treatment are crucial.
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Syphilis does not confer immunity after treatment, and reinfection can occur if there's another exposure.
When an In-Person Visit is Recommended
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When injection treatment is recommended.
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When accompanied by neurological symptoms (headaches, vision/hearing abnormalities, etc.).
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For pregnant individuals.
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When the diagnosis is unclear.
About Your Partner
Syphilis is highly contagious, and there is a high risk of transmitting it to your partner. We recommend that your partner also gets tested, even if they show no symptoms.
References
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Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Reported Cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (Syphilis)
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National Institute of Infectious Diseases: Information on Syphilis
