What is
One manifestation of late-stage syphilis, called general paresis, doesn't show up until a decade or more after the initial infection. This form of the disease causes dementia, which can sometimes include dramatic personality changes, hallucinations, and manic delusions.
At any stage of infection, syphilis can invade the: nervous system (neurosyphilis) visual system (ocular syphilis)
Certain STDs if left untreated can cause mental illness and even death. Taking charge of your sexual health is important. So, if you are sexually active, you are encouraged to get tested for STDs. Knowing your status is better than not knowing all.
The most dangerous viral STD is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which leads to AIDS.
Without treatment, syphilis can severely damage the heart, brain or other organs, and can be life-threatening. Syphilis can also be passed from mothers to unborn children.
Encephalitis is not a common complication of STDs, but it can happen. Fortunately, proper treatment of viral STDs, such as HIV and HSV, reduces the already low risk.
Increased risk of organ damage, disease, and cancer
Untreated STDs can grow unchecked for years in your body and cause potentially serious or deadly diseases to develop. For example, someone with HPV can get cervical or anal cancer, while syphilis can cause blindness, dementia, and heart or kidney damage.
The third stage (tertiary syphilis)
The symptoms of tertiary syphilis will depend on what part of the body the infection spreads to. For example, it may affect the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, bones, skin or blood vessels, potentially causing any of the following symptoms: stroke. dementia.
In the brain, third stage syphilis can lead to memory problems, mood changes and dementia, resulting in the need for nursing home care. Third stage syphilis can even cause death by affecting the vital organs.
Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect the central nervous system via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves and contributes to Alzheimer's disease risk.
Eight pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of STIs. Of these, 4 are currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are incurable viral infections: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV).
Chlamydia pneumoniae can infect the brain and has been linked to late-onset dementia.
Complications of syphilis
If it's not treated, syphilis can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems including: heart problems like angina, aortic aneurysm and heart failure. brain problems like fits (seizures), memory problems, personality changes and dementia.
HIV, Syphilis, and Herpes are notorious for causing headaches. A lot of people consider headaches nothing more than an inconvenience; popping an Aspirin might give you some relief, but continuous headaches may be a sign of something serious, like a Sexually Transmitted Disease.
Gonorrhea often has mild or no symptoms. However, if left untreated, gonorrhea can lead to infertility, and it can spread into the bloodstream and affect the joints, heart valves, and brain. Gonorrhea increases the risk of sexual transmission of HIV.
Syphilis begins with a painless sore at the infection site and, in the second stage, causes a rash, fever, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite. If untreated, the third stage of syphilis can damage the aorta, brain, spinal cord, and other organs.
STDs/STIs infect the mouth, genital and anal areas of the body. Although some STDs/STIs can also be spread through sexual skin-to-skin contact, STDs/STIs are spread mainly through oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner.
Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in Australia, particularly among young people aged between 15 and 25 years.
An STD diagnosis can impact an individual's self-esteem and relationships. Individuals may fear rejection and judgment from partners and peers, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Seeking support from loved ones and healthcare providers can help individuals cope with these feelings.