Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease (STD). Although less common than chlamydia and gonorrhea, it can create very serious health problems.

The most common symptoms are sores on the genitals, anus, or in the rectum, and later a rash on the body. Many people infected have no symptoms for years.

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics if identified early enough.

Transmission/How it is Spread:

• Spread during first and second stage through anal, oral, or vaginal sex, or intimate skin-to-skin contact with a sore.
  
  
• Can be spread through kissing if a sore is located on the lips or inside the mouth.
  
  
• Can be passed from pregnant mother to unborn child.
  
  

Complications:

• Damage to major body systems if left untreated.
  
  
• Serious infection and birth defects and even death in infected fetus or infant.
  
  
• Increases risk of getting HIV, if exposed, and spreading HIV, if infected.
  
  

Prevention:

• Abstain from sexual activity.
  
  
• Faithful marriage or mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
  
  
• Latex condoms, when used the right way all the time, reduce but do not eliminate the risk. Because sores can be in areas not covered by the condom, it is still possible to get syphilis, even when using a condom.
  
  

Treatment/Cure:

• Treatment and cure available with antibiotics.
  
  
• Antibiotics can not undo damage done before treatment. Antibiotics will kill the syphilis bacteria and prevent further damage to the body, but will not repair any damage already done. Treatment and cure does not mean a person can not get infected again.
  
  

Primary Stage:

The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), which appears where syphilis entered the body. The chancre lasts 3-6 weeks, and it will heal on its own. Left untreated, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.

Secondary Stage:

The second stage starts when one or more areas of the skin break into a rash that usually does not itch. Other symptoms include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and tiredness.

Late Syphilis:

The latent or hidden stage of syphilis begins when the secondary symptoms disappear. The disease remains in the body, and may begin to damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This damage may be serious enough to cause death.

Pregnant females with the disease can pass it to their unborn child during pregnancy. This can cause serious infections, birth defects, or death.

Back to Common STDs

Last revised: August 19, 2009