Syphilis

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial STI. 

How is Syphilis spread or contracted?

• Skin to skin contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex
• Kissing an open sore

What are the symptoms of Syphilis?

Most women do not have symptoms and in men, if they do have any, they usually appear 3 weeks (on average) after infection and can include:

Primary Stage
• Painless sore on the genital area, mouth, lip

Secondary Stage
• Rash on hands, feet, and other areas of body

Syphilis symptoms are often similar to those of other deseases.  At first, you may get a painless sore for a few weeks.  If you don't get treatment, your syphilis will get worse.  Next, you may feel like you have the flu.  At this point, you may notice a rash.  If you still don't get treatmed, syphilis can cause blindness, brain damage, heart damage, and death. 

How do you get tested?

• Blood test
• Microscope test that examines material from infectious areas.

How is it treated?

Syphilis is treated with an injection of an antibiotic. However, antiiotics will now repair any damage already done.  Delayed treatment can result in serious problems.  Both you and your partner must be treated.

How does Syphilis affect a pregnant woman and her baby?

The syphilis bacterium can infect the baby of a woman during her pregnancy. Depending on how long a pregnant woman has been infected, she may have a high risk of having a stillbirth (a baby born dead) or of giving birth to a baby who dies shortly after birth. An infected baby may be born without signs or symptoms of disease. However, if not treated immediately, the baby may develop serious problems within a few weeks. Untreated babies may become developmentally delayed, have seizures, or die.