Syphilis {SIF/ill/is} is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium.
The infection progresses in stages.
How do I get syphilis?
From vaginal, oral, or anal sex with an infected person.
By having direct contact with a syphilis sore or rashes.
An infected mother can pass it to her unborn baby.
Condoms give some protection, but may not cover sores at the base of the penis, on the outside of the vagina, or on the rectum.
How do I know if I have syphilis?
The symptoms are the same for both males and females.
Many people have no symptoms.
Stages of Syphilis
Stage 1 (Primary Syphilis)
Stage 2 (Secondary Syphilis)
Stage 3 (Tertiary Infection)
3-90 days after contact.
Painless sores (from pinpoint size to as large as a quarter) appear on the penis, in or around the vagina, in the mouth, or rectum.
Sores disappear in 3-8 weeks but the bacterium stays in the body.
Very contagious.
2-24 weeks after contact.
Flu-like symptoms, fever, fatigue, pain in your joints and muscles.
Painless rash on the hands, feet, or whole body.
Swollen lymph nodes.
Hair loss.
Symptoms may disappear but the bacterium stays in the body.
Very contagious.
2-40 years after contact.
The bacteria may cause:
blindness
paralysis
deafness
brain and heart disease
mental health problems
death
How do I get tested?
A doctor will look at your sore or rash and a blood test will be done.
The STD clinic also has a special microscope that helps to diagnose a syphilis chancre (sore).
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis can be cured if you take the right antibiotic.
Tell your sexual partner(s) so that they can be treated.
After treatment, do not have sexual contact until the syphilis sore is completely healed, as you may infect someone else.
What if I do not treat the infection?
Syphilis may cause blindness, paralysis, deafness, brain or heart disease, and eventually death.
Pregnant women can pass the infection on to their babies. Congenital syphilis can sometimes cause birth defects or death of the baby.
The infection also increases your chance of becoming infected with HIV or spreading it.
How can I prevent the spread of syphilis?
Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.
If you are being treated, do not have sex until the medication is finished and the symptoms are gone.
Practice "safer sex". Always use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Use a dental dam during oral sex on women.
Do not share sex toys.
Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
Ask your partner about his or her sexual history.
Get tested for STIs before having any sexual activity with a new partner
If you think you have been infected with an STI, see a healthcare provider.
Do not have sex with an infected person. You cannot tell just by looking at the person.
Tell your partner if you have an infection.
Get information, guidance, and support.
Sexual Decision Making
You have the right to chose whether or not to have intercourse.
If you choose to have sex, be sure to protect yourself against pregnancy and STIs.
Talk to your partner about these choices before you have sex!
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