Syphilis: Transmission Risks and Fertility Concerns

Syphilis

Hello, I would like to ask you.
After a syphilis patient undergoes penicillin treatment, are they still infectious? Is kissing also a mode of transmission? I want to conceive, but I am worried about passing this on to the next generation, and it is troubling me...

Weiran, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2000/12/17

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology

After treatment for syphilis, it is essential to have regular blood tests to ensure that the specific serological markers for syphilis are decreasing, indicating safety.
Syphilis can be transmitted through contact with bodily fluids during intimate relations, and pregnant women who are infected with syphilis can transmit the infection to their offspring.
The safest approach is to have regular blood tests at the hospital, follow the physician's treatment instructions, and continue with follow-up examinations.

Reply Date: 2000/12/17

More Info

Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, poses significant concerns regarding transmission and fertility. It is commendable that you are seeking information about the implications of syphilis on both personal health and potential offspring.

After undergoing appropriate treatment for syphilis, typically with penicillin, a patient is generally considered non-infectious. The treatment effectively eliminates the bacteria from the body, and individuals who have been treated successfully are not able to transmit the infection to others. However, it is crucial to ensure that the treatment is completed, and follow-up testing confirms that the infection has been resolved. This usually involves serological testing to check for a decrease in titers of syphilis antibodies.

Regarding kissing, syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with syphilitic sores, which can occur in the genital area, anus, or mouth. Therefore, if a person has active sores or lesions associated with syphilis, there is a risk of transmission through kissing. However, if the infection has been treated and there are no visible sores, the risk of transmission through kissing is negligible.

Your concerns about fertility and the potential transmission of syphilis to your future children are valid. Syphilis can have serious implications for pregnancy if left untreated. It can lead to congenital syphilis, which occurs when the infection is transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy. This can result in severe health issues for the newborn, including developmental delays, deformities, and even stillbirth. However, if syphilis is treated effectively before conception or during pregnancy, the risk of transmitting the infection to the baby is significantly reduced.

If you are planning to conceive, it is advisable to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider. They may recommend screening for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections as part of preconception care. This ensures that any potential issues are addressed before pregnancy, promoting a healthier environment for conception and fetal development.

In summary, after successful treatment for syphilis, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced, and kissing is not a common route of transmission if there are no active sores. However, it is essential to maintain regular follow-up with your healthcare provider to monitor your health and ensure that you are in the best possible condition for conception. If you have any further concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

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