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Voice Over: What is syphilis? Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema Pallidum. Sexual contact is the main route of syphilis transmission. It includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Daily social contact, such as sharing toilets, clothing, towels, or eating together, does not transmit syphilis. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Syphilis can be effectively treated with injectable antibiotic. Voice Over: How can I know if I am infected with syphilis? Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Symptoms of syphilis infection include: skin ulcers (chancre), fever, rashes, or flu-like symptoms. Some patients may not show obvious signs and symptoms, therefore the most reliable way to know whether you are infected with syphilis is through blood testing. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: A blood test for syphilis is provided to all pregnant women during their antenatal check-ups. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: If a pregnant woman's antenatal syphilis test result is negative, she should use condoms correctly and consistently during each sexual contact to prevent syphilis infection and safeguard her health and her fetus. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: In addition, if a pregnant woman has any high-risk behaviors—such as having a new partner, multiple sexual partners, or being infected with other sexually transmitted infections—it is advised to discuss with healthcare professionals about getting tested for syphilis again. Voice Over: How does syphilis affect pregnancy? Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: If a pregnant woman is infected with syphilis during pregnancy without receiving treatment, she may transmit syphilis to her fetus, leading to miscarriage, premature birth, fetal malformation. If syphilis is detected following with treatment in early stage of pregnancy, the risk of infection towards the fetus can be largely reduced. Voice Over: What should be done if pregnant women are infected with syphilis? Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with syphilis, she should receive treatment promptly to minimize the risk of her fetus contracting congenital syphilis. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Doctors will prescribe penicillin (antibiotic) injections to the pregnant woman as treatment. Using penicillin during pregnancy is safe and effective and it does not affect the normal development of the fetus. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: After the course of treatment, doctors will schedule blood tests for the pregnant woman to monitor the treatment progress. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Our bodies do not induce lifelong immunity to syphilis after a single infection and treatment, therefore effective measures should continue to be taken after treatment to prevent reinfection. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Infected pregnant women should also recommend their sexual partners undergo testing and treatment for syphilis to reduce the risk of reinfection. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Obstetricians will also arrange necessary assessments for the pregnant woman during the antenatal period, as needed. Voice Over: Any follow up required after childbirth? Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: After birth, depending on the mother’s treatment progress, her baby may need to undergo relevant physical examinations and blood tests to determine whether they are infected or need further treatment. Voice Over: How can I prevent syphilis infection? Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: Syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Using condoms correctly during sexual contact can reduce the risk of infection. Dr. LAM Yuk Keung: If there is any new high-risk contact, it is important to get tested as soon as possible. Prevent mother-to-child transmission, starts now. |