&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Syphilis in Singapore: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Long-Term Care&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis is one of the most concerning and rapidly increasing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Singapore today. In the last five years alone, the nation has seen an average of nearly &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1,500 syphilis cases reported annually&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, highlighting a resurgence of this once-declining infection. Despite being &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;highly curable&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, syphilis often goes undetected due to its subtle early symptoms and ability to remain dormant for years.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;This comprehensive guide covers what syphilis is, how it spreads, how it can be diagnosed and treated in Singapore, and why long-term care is essential to prevent serious complications.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Is Syphilis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis is a bacterial STD&amp;nbsp;caused by &lt;em&gt;Treponema pallidum&lt;/em&gt;. It progresses through multiple stages and can lead to serious long-term damage to the heart, brain, eyes, and nervous system if left untreated. The infection is spread primarily through sexual contact and, in some cases, from an infected mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Unlike some STDs, syphilis cannot be spread through casual contact, such as using the same toilet seat, sharing utensils, or touching the same surface.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Is Syphilis Transmitted?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis is passed through direct contact with syphilis sores (chancres), which may occur on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or inside the mouth. It can be transmitted during:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Skin-to-skin contact with an active sore&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;From a pregnant mother to her baby through the placenta&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Rarely, through blood transfusions or shared needles (though blood products are screened in Singapore)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Because syphilis chancres are often painless and may be hidden in the mouth or anus, many people do not know they are infected and unknowingly spread it to their partners.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;The Four Stages of Syphilis and Their Symptoms&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis progresses through &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;four distinct stages&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, each with different symptoms. Understanding these stages is critical for early diagnosis and effective treatment.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Primary Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;This stage begins around &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;three weeks&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; after exposure, although it can range from 10 to 90 days. The first sign is usually a &lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;single&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;painless sore&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; called a &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;chancre&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; at the site where the bacteria entered the body&amp;mdash;typically the genitals, anus, or mouth. The sore is highly infectious and heals on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, but the infection remains.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Secondary Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If untreated, syphilis progresses to this stage, which can occur weeks to months after the chancre heals. Signs and symptoms may include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Skin rashes (often on the palms and soles)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Fever and sore throat&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Swollen lymph nodes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Patchy hair loss&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Fatigue and muscle aches&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Sores on the mouth, vagina, or anus&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;These symptoms may disappear on their own, but the infection remains active and contagious.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Latent Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Also known as the &quot;hidden&quot; stage, latent syphilis occurs when symptoms disappear, but the bacteria remain in the body. This stage can last &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;for years&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. Although there are no outward signs, the infection can still cause internal damage, especially if it progresses to the next stage.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Tertiary Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;About &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;15&amp;ndash;30%&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; of people with untreated syphilis will develop tertiary syphilis. This stage can occur &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;5&amp;ndash;30 years&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; after the initial infection and may cause &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;permanent damage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; to multiple organ systems. Complications include:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Heart disease (e.g. aortic aneurysm, valve damage)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Neurosyphilis (infection of the brain and spinal cord)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Blindness, deafness, or dementia&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Destruction of bones and soft tissue&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Memory loss and personality changes&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Who Is at Risk in Singapore?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis can affect anyone, but certain groups are at &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;higher risk&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, including:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Men who have sex with men (MSM)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Individuals with multiple sexual partners&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Those engaging in unprotected sex&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;People living with HIV&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Pregnant women who are not screened during prenatal care&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;According to public health data, MSM in Singapore have &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;25 times&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; the average rate of syphilis compared to the general population. &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/multiplex-pcr-std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Regular STI screening&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; is essential for early detection in these high-risk groups.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Syphilis Testing in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis testing with multiplex PCR STD screening is available in our clinic. This &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/multiplex-pcr-std-testing&quot;&gt;STD screening&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; detects multiple pathogens, which cause STDs, in a single sample.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common diagnostic methods include&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Blood tests&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Detect antibodies to the syphilis bacterium (e.g., VDRL, RPR, TPPA, TPHA tests)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Swab tests&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; A sample from a visible sore may be examined under a dark-field microscope&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Rapid point-of-care tests&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Available via &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/PULSExpress&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;PULSExpress&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; for faster results&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If you are diagnosed with syphilis, you will also be tested for other STDs, especially &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HIV&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, as co-infections are common.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;When Should You Get Tested?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;After unprotected sex with a new partner&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If you develop genital sores, rashes, or unusual symptoms&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If a sexual partner has tested positive for syphilis&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Annually, if you belong to a high-risk group (e.g. MSM)&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Treatment for Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The good news is that &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;syphilis is curable&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; with antibiotics, especially when caught early.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Standard treatment includes:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Primary &amp;amp; Secondary Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; A single intramuscular injection of &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;penicillin G benzathine&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Late Latent Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Three weekly doses of penicillin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Neurosyphilis&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Intravenous penicillin over 10&amp;ndash;14 days&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Penicillin allergy&lt;/strong&gt;:&lt;/span&gt; Alternative oral antibiotics like doxycycline or azithromycin&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;It is important to complete the &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;entire course&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;of treatment as prescribed. While antibiotics will stop the infection, they &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;cannot reverse damage&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; already done to organs or nerves in later stages.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reduce the Risk of Syphilis Infection with DoxyPEP&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/doxy-pep-singapore&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;0&quot; data-end=&quot;11&quot; data-is-only-node=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;DoxyPEP&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, short for &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;23&quot; data-end=&quot;64&quot;&gt;doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, is an emerging preventive approach where a single 200 mg dose of &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;131&quot; data-end=&quot;146&quot;&gt;doxycycline&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; is taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex to reduce the risk of acquiring bacterial STIs&amp;mdash;most notably &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/syphilis&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;254&quot; data-end=&quot;266&quot;&gt;syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/chlamydia&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;268&quot; data-end=&quot;281&quot;&gt;chlamydia&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, and, to a lesser extent, &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/gonorrhoea&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;307&quot; data-end=&quot;321&quot;&gt;gonorrhea&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Recent studies among high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, show that DoxyPEP can significantly lower the incidence of these infections when used correctly and in combination with regular &lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366; text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;STD screening&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; and safe sex practices. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;While not yet officially adopted in all countries, interest in DoxyPEP is growing in places like Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines due to rising STI rates. However, it should only be used under medical supervision, as overuse may contribute to antibiotic resistance and reduce its long-term effectiveness. Read more about DoxyPEP&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p data-start=&quot;9147&quot; data-end=&quot;9352&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Aftercare and Long-Term Monitoring&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Follow-up Testing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;After treatment, blood tests are repeated at &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3, 6, 12, and 24 months&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; to ensure the infection is fully cleared. This is especially important in latent or tertiary syphilis.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Even after successful treatment, some blood tests may remain positive for life. This is called a &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;serological scar&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;doesn&amp;rsquo;t mean you&amp;rsquo;re still infectious&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Sexual Abstinence During Recovery&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;You should avoid sexual activity until your doctor confirms you are no longer infectious. This typically means waiting until any sores are fully healed and follow-up tests show recovery.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Partner Notification&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If you are diagnosed with syphilis, all current and recent sexual partners should also be tested and treated. This is essential to prevent reinfection and control community spread.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Regular STI Screening&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If you have had syphilis, you are at increased risk for other STDs. Make STI checks a regular part of your sexual health routine&amp;mdash;ideally once or twice a year. Multiplex PCR STD screening is available in our clinic. This &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/multiplex-pcr-std-testing&quot;&gt;STD screening&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; detects multiple pathogens, which cause STDs, in a single sample.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Preventing Syphilis in Singapore&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;1. Use Protection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Latex condoms reduce the risk of syphilis but don&amp;rsquo;t offer 100% protection if sores are outside the area covered by the condom.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;2. Know Your Partners&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Have open conversations with new partners about STI history and testing. Avoid anonymous or multiple partners if you are unable to test regularly.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;3. Avoid Alcohol or Drugs Before Sex&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Substance use can impair judgment and lead to unsafe sexual choices.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;4. Test Before Pregnancy&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis in pregnancy can be devastating, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital syphilis. All pregnant women should be tested early in their pregnancy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Syphilis and HIV: A Dangerous Duo&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Having syphilis increases your risk of acquiring and transmitting &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;HIV&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. Open sores from syphilis make it easier for HIV to enter the bloodstream. Additionally, syphilis may progress faster in individuals who are HIV-positive.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;If you are living with HIV, your doctor may recommend &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;more frequent syphilis testing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;adjusted treatment protocols&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Long-Term Care Matters&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Even after successful treatment, syphilis patients must remain vigilant. Long-term care ensures:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Complete eradication of the bacteria&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Monitoring for complications&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;/span&gt;from earlier-stage damage&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Prevention of reinfection&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; through safe sex practices&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Ongoing STI education and awareness&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Public health experts in Singapore stress that &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;syphilis is not just a personal issue&amp;mdash;it&amp;rsquo;s a community one&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;. Early detection, treatment, and long-term care can drastically reduce its spread.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;All In All&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis may be on the rise in Singapore, but it is one of the &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;most preventable and treatable STDs&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; when managed correctly. Whether you&amp;rsquo;re concerned about a recent exposure, have unexplained symptoms, or simply want peace of mind, &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.sg/std-testing&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;confidential STD testing&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt; and effective treatment are readily available across Singapore.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;9147&quot; data-end=&quot;9352&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;FAQs on Syphilis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;192&quot; data-end=&quot;228&quot;&gt;1. Is syphilis common in Singapore?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Yes. Syphilis is one of the top three most reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Singapore, with nearly 1,500 new cases reported annually.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;387&quot; data-end=&quot;428&quot;&gt;2. What are the early signs of syphilis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The first sign is usually a painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, anus, or mouth. It may go unnoticed but is highly contagious.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;566&quot; data-end=&quot;607&quot;&gt;3. Can I have syphilis without symptoms?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Yes. Syphilis can remain asymptomatic for years in its latent stage, which is why regular STI testing is recommended.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1086&quot; data-end=&quot;1118&quot;&gt;4. How is syphilis transmitted?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Syphilis spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with infectious sores during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. It can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1290&quot; data-end=&quot;1314&quot;&gt;5. Is syphilis curable?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Yes. Syphilis is fully curable with antibiotics, usually penicillin, especially when diagnosed early.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1423&quot; data-end=&quot;1470&quot;&gt;6. What happens if syphilis is left untreated?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Untreated syphilis can damage the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs. It may lead to blindness, paralysis, dementia, or death in late stages.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1809&quot; data-end=&quot;1849&quot;&gt;7. Can syphilis return after treatment?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;The same infection won&amp;rsquo;t return after successful treatment, but you can become reinfected if exposed again to someone with syphilis.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1991&quot; data-end=&quot;2047&quot;&gt;8. Can I get syphilis from kissing or sharing utensils?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;No. Syphilis cannot be spread through casual contact, kissing (unless an active sore is present in the mouth), or sharing food or utensils.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2195&quot; data-end=&quot;2256&quot;&gt;9. How long after exposure should I get tested for syphilis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Testing is recommended at least &lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2291&quot; data-end=&quot;2317&quot;&gt;3 weeks after exposure&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;, as this is when antibodies typically become detectable.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2380&quot; data-end=&quot;2442&quot;&gt;11. Do I need to inform my sexual partners if I have syphilis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Yes. It&amp;rsquo;s important to notify current and recent partners so they can also get tested and treated if necessary.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2562&quot; data-end=&quot;2615&quot;&gt;12. Can pregnant women pass syphilis to their babies?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Yes. Syphilis can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, potentially causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious birth defects.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #003366;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2760&quot; data-end=&quot;2812&quot;&gt;13. How can I prevent getting syphilis in Singapore?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #333333;&quot;&gt;Practice safe sex by using condoms correctly, limit your number of sexual partners, get tested regularly, and avoid sex if you or your partner show any signs of an STI.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

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