Syphilis in Lagos: Symptoms, Testing, Treatment, and Prevention
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is still seen in clinics across Lagos. Many people do not realize they have the infection because the symptoms can be mild or disappear on their own. However, untreated syphilis can lead to serious health problems affecting the brain, heart, nerves, and reproductive organs.
At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, we provide confidential testing, treatment, and counseling for syphilis and other STIs.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
It spreads mainly through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby.
Syphilis develops in stages, and each stage has different symptoms.
Stages and Symptoms of Syphilis
1. Primary Syphilis
- Painless sore on the penis, vagina, anus, or mouth
- The sore may heal on its own after a few weeks
- Many people ignore it because it is not painful
2. Secondary Syphilis
- Skin rash (often on palms and soles)
- Fever
- Body weakness
- Sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Hair loss in patches
3. Latent Syphilis
- No symptoms
- Infection still present in the body
4. Late (Tertiary) Syphilis
Can cause:
- Brain damage
- Heart disease
- Nerve problems
- Blindness
- Infertility
Late syphilis can occur years after the first infection.
How Common is Syphilis in Lagos?
Syphilis is still common in Nigeria, especially among:
- Sexually active adults
- People with multiple partners
- Pregnant women who did not do early antenatal tests
- People with untreated STIs
Because many people do not test regularly, the infection spreads easily.
When Should You Test for Syphilis?
You should do a test if you have:
- Genital sore
- Unusual rash
- Multiple sexual partners
- Unprotected sex
- History of STI
- Infertility problems
- Pregnancy
At Mascot Healthcare Clinic, we offer:
- Rapid syphilis test
- Confirmatory blood test
- Full STI screening
Results are available quickly.
Treatment for Syphilis
Syphilis can be cured, especially when detected early.
Treatment usually includes:
- Penicillin injection (most effective)
- Alternative antibiotics if allergic
Important:
- Both partners must be treated
- Avoid sex until treatment is completed
- Follow-up test is needed
Do not self-medicate.
How to Prevent Syphilis
- Use condoms
- Avoid multiple partners
- Test regularly
- Treat early
- Encourage partner testing
Regular health checks help prevent complications.
Syphilis Testing in Akoka, Yaba, Lagos
Mascot Healthcare Clinic provides:
- STI testing
- Syphilis test
- HIV test
- Hepatitis test
- Ultrasound scans
- Outpatient treatment
We offer confidential and affordable care.
Location: Akoka – Yaba, Lagos
Mascot Healthcare Clinic
When to Visit the Clinic
Visit immediately if you notice:
- Genital sore
- Rash on palms or soles
- Unusual discharge
- Pain during urination
- History of unprotected sex
Early treatment prevents complications.