|
A CHECKLIST OF SYMPTOMS
It is very well possible to suffer from gonorrhea and syphilis without having any symptoms. Every sexually active person should therefore have periodic medical tests. However, if there are symptoms they may appear in the following parts of the body:
The Whole Body:
A slight fever accompanied by an overall feeling of sickness may be a symptom of either syphilis (second stage) or gonorrhea of the throat.
The Skin:
Itchy raised areas or red bumps which look like mosquito bites but do not cure themselves may be caused by scabies. Also, syphilis chancres can appear anywhere on the body where contact has been made. A body rash may be a symptom of syphilis (second stage). A syphilitic rash is likely to extend to the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.
The Scalp:
A sudden loss of patches of hair may be a symptom of syphilis (second stage).
The Mouth:
A harmless looking "cold sore" may actually be a syphilis chancre.
The Throat:
A sore throat may be caused by gonorrhea after oral intercourse. However, in most cases gonorrhea of the throat does not show any symptoms.
The Penis:
A painless open sore may be a syphilis chancre. Burning sensations and a white or yellowish discharge may be symptoms of gonorrhea or nonspecific urethritis. Small, painful blisters which appear and then heal themselves only to recur again may be herpes. As long as the blisters are present, the virus is very contagious. Small, cauliflower-shaped warts may be venereal warts.
The Vulva and Vagina:
Chancres appearing on the major or minor lips may indicate syphilis, although this disease rarely shows symptoms in the female sex organs. A whitish discharge and abdominal cramps may indicate gonorrhea. Vaginal discharges are more likely to be caused by monilia or a trichomonas infestation. The vulva may also be affected by herpes, venereal warts, and crabs.
The Anus:
Small cauliflower-shaped warts may be venereal warts. A discharge of blood or mucus on feces, especially if accompanied by rectal itching, may be a symptom of anal gonorrhea. However, at this site the disease most often does not show any symptoms. The anal area and rectum may also develop herpes sores or a syphilis chancre after anal intercourse.
|
