If you feel more comfortable, you can opt for a telephone consultation on the appointment form.
The doctor assesses your case, indicates the appropriate analyses and, if confirmed, the right treatment.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is an infection that develops in several stages and can affect both men and women. Syphilis is known as an “infection that mimics other diseases” because its symptoms vary greatly and can easily be confused with other conditions.
One of the biggest challenges of syphilis is that may not show symptoms for long periods, This allows the infection to remain active and transmissible without the person realising it. This silent phase, called latent syphilis, contributes to its spread.
If left untreated, syphilis can develop into serious problems, such as skin and mucous membrane lesions, neurological complications, heart problems and, in advanced cases, damage to internal organs. Despite its potential seriousness, syphilis is fully treatable when diagnosed in time.
Syphilis has different symptoms throughout its stages, and many of them can be subtle or even go unnoticed. Here are the most common signs:
Syphilis is transmitted mainly through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sexual contact with someone who is infected. The bacterium Treponema pallidum enters the body through small lesions on the skin or mucous membranes. Transmission can occur even when the typical syphilis sore (hard chancre) is not visible or goes unnoticed.
A unique feature of syphilis is that the infection can be transmitted by direct contact with syphilitic lesions, even without sexual penetration. These lesions, which can appear on the genitals, mouth or anal region, are highly contagious.
Other forms of syphilis transmission include:
Syphilis is not transmitted by everyday objects, such as toilets, towels, cutlery, glasses, clothes or swimming pools.
Prevention involves consistent condom use, regular testing and clinical surveillance whenever there is a risk of exposure.
Syphilis is diagnosed through specific laboratory analyses, These are usually serological tests (such as VDRL, RPR and TPHA/TPPA), which identify the presence of antibodies against the bacteria. Treponema pallidum at different stages of the infection.
At Médico na Net, the process is organised to guarantee clinical rigour, safety and speed:
This complete process allows for a quick, safe and doctor-guided diagnosis, without unnecessary waiting and with total discretion.
One of the most dangerous characteristics of syphilis is that many infections go for long periods without symptoms, especially in the latent phase. The absence of visible signs does not mean that the infection is inactive.
Even when it doesn't cause symptoms, syphilis can evolve silently and cause..:
In addition, an infection without symptoms can act as a hidden reservoir, It is still transmitted through sexual contact with partners without anyone realising. Screening is therefore essential whenever there is a risk of exposure.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can affect both men and women and evolves in several stages, which can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Yes. Syphilis can run for long periods of time no symptoms, especially in the latent phase. Even without visible signs, the infection remains active, transmissible and can cause complications in the medium or long term.
Depending on the stage of the infection, symptoms can include:
Syphilis can also cause no symptoms for months or years.
Depending on the stage of the infection, symptoms can include:
Syphilis can also cause no symptoms for months or years.
After booking an appointment online and filling in the clinical questionnaire, the doctor will assess your case and may request specific blood tests to detect syphilis.
The patient can carry out these analyses in the laboratory of your choice, as long as you provide the requested tests.
Yes. All personal and clinical data is processed in accordance with privacy and data protection regulations. The results are not shared with third parties without your consent.
The patient must book an appointment second online consultation with the Médico na Net doctor. In this consultation, the doctor explains the result, prescribes the proper treatment and explains all the precautions to be taken during and after treatment, including the prevention of reinfections.
Yes. It is essential to inform current or recent sexual partners so that they can also be tested and, if necessary, start treatment. This helps prevent re-infection and reduce transmission. Your doctor can advise you on the best way to communicate this information.
You should also repeat the test whenever there are symptoms or suspicion of exposure.
Yes. Syphilis is a bacterial infection fully treatable when it is diagnosed in time. Treatment must be followed exactly as prescribed by the doctor, ensuring that the infection is eliminated.
Yes. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the doctor can issue a prescription for the treatment indicated and monitor progress until the infection is resolved.
If you experience severe pain, persistent high fever, neurological changes (such as blurred vision, severe headache, confusion) or any sudden worsening of your general condition, you should immediately seek emergency care in person. Teleconsultation is not a substitute for medical care in emergency situations.
Dr Igor Faria
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Igor Faria and I see medicine as a commitment to proximity, where every patient deserves to be listened to and cared for carefully.
Since the beginning of my career, I've always been fascinated by the possibility of making a difference, whether in prevention, emergency or long-term follow-up.
I believe that medicine should be accessible and person-centred, with an empathetic and integrative approach.
Dr Mafalda Morais
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Welcome to Médico na Net! I'm Dr Mafalda and I've always had a passion for medicine and the positive impact it can have on people's lives.
I believe that medical care should be accessible, precise and reliable, always respecting the individuality of each patient.
With an empathetic and humanised approach, I'm here to help you take care of your health in a complete and personalised way.
Training: Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto
No. of doctors: 48611
Dr Igor Faria has over 16 years' experience as a doctor and a career marked by a commitment to care and proximity to his patients. He graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP) in 2008 and specialised in General Practice in 2014, achieving the title of Graduate Assistant in 2023. With a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine, he combines his clinical knowledge with the promotion of health and well-being in different contexts.
Throughout her career, she has been part of emergency medical teams and ongoing support, namely in the VMER in Viana do Castelo between 2010 and 2022 and in monitoring Residential Structures for the Elderly (ERPI) from 2014 to the present. Her experience and training reflect a broad interest in areas such as Geriatrics, Preventive Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Cardiology and Sports Medicine, guaranteeing comprehensive care tailored to the needs of each patient.
Her approach is based on empathy, active listening and an integrative vision of medical care. She believes that humour can be an essential tool in the doctor-patient relationship, making consultations lighter and more accessible. At Médico na Net, her main goal is to help those who can't find a solution in the National Health Service, providing a service that is accessible, humane and focused on the autonomy and well-being of her patients.
Outside of medicine, he devotes himself to his family, sport and personal development, believing that a balance between body and mind is essential for a fulfilling life. Guided by values such as beneficence, autonomy, sincerity, integrity and justice, he sees every consultation as an opportunity to help, guide and make a difference. As he likes to say, inspired by Confucius: "Choose a job you love and you won't have to work a day in your life."
Training: University of
Santiago de Compostela
No. of doctors: 57192
Dr Mafalda graduated in Medicine from the University of Santiago de Compostela, completing her studies in 2013. Since then, she has specialised in General Practice and has accumulated 12 years' experience in patient care in various healthcare institutions. She complemented her training with a postgraduate qualification in Sports Medicine and Aesthetic Medicine, allowing her to offer more comprehensive care adapted to the different needs of her patients.
He currently works at USF Foz do Lima and the Viana do Castelo Private Hospitalwhere she provides medical care centred on well-being and prevention. He has worked in various health institutions.
Training: University of Barcelona
No. of doctors: 71409
Dr Alexandra Azevedo graduated in Medicine from the University of Barcelona in 2015, where she subsequently specialised in General Practice. During her training, she developed a strong interest in the approach to chronic pain, having completed an integrated master's degree in Medicine and Surgery with clinical research into pain management. Her professional experience includes several years of clinical practice in Spain, particularly in Catalonia, where she has had contact with a wide variety of pathologies and challenges, both in the emergency department and in primary healthcare.
She currently works as a family doctor at the ULS Braga. She has been a member of the medical-surgical emergency team at Vila Nova de Famalicão Hospital and has worked as a guest lecturer at the Nursing School of the University of Minho, teaching anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems.
Her main clinical interests include emergency medicine, chronic pain, depression and anxiety, as well as preventive medicine and the control of vascular risk factors. She is also dedicated to anti-smoking counselling and weight loss counselling, helping her patients to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. Her approach to care is based on a holistic vision, considering health as a balance between physical and psychological well-being.
Dr Alexandra stands out for her humanism and her ability to offer quick and effective solutions to minor problems, ensuring that her patients feel well looked after. At Médico na Net, she sees an opportunity to bring healthcare to more people in an accessible and convenient way.
Passionate about music and travelling, she loves getting to know different cultures and lifestyles, which enriches her view of the world and her medical practice. For her, medicine is not just a profession, but a real commitment to the well-being of the people she cares for. As she likes to say: "Health is the balance between physical and psychological well-being.
