SEXUAL HEALTH

Syphilis

February 14, 2018

Syphilis

The sexually transmitted disease syphilis is a bacterial infection. Left untreated, it can cause heart and brain damage, even death. Pregnant women can infect their unborn babies. This can lead to deformities or even death.

Closeup of man and woman holding hands while sitting on a couch.

People don’t talk as much about syphilis today as they did in the past. But people still become infected with syphilis, and it can cause very serious problems.

Symptoms

Syphilis progresses in stages. The signs and symptoms in each stage may be so mild that you do not notice them. During the first stage, there is often a painless sore on the sex organs, anus, or mouth. The sore goes away in 3 to 6 weeks. During the next stage, you may develop a rash or flu-like symptoms. These also go away. But the infection is still there. You may have no other signs until serious problems develop, often years or even decades later. 

Treatment

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. During treatment, it is important not to have sex, or you may infect someone else. And be sure to return for follow-up visits. Your partner should also be checked for the disease.

Prevention

As with all STDs, knowing your partner’s sexual history is a big step toward preventing syphilis. Know the signs and symptoms of the infection. And use latex condoms to reduce your risk.

Symptoms of syphilis stages

Stage 1: A painless sore on the mouth or sex organs

Stage 2: A rash, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and other flu-like symptoms

Stage 3: Severe diseases such as paralysis, mental deterioration, damage to internal organs, blindness, or death

Resources

American Social Health Association STD Hotline  919-361-8488  www.ashastd.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  800-232-4636  www.cdc.gov/std

Updated:  

February 14, 2018

Sources:  

Syphillis: epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations in HIV-uninfected patients. UpToDate

Reviewed By:  

Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Images Reviewed by Staywell medical art team.,Lentnek, Arnold, MD