Syphilis

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI for short), which can start as an ulcer somewhere on the skin or in the genital area. Syphilis is quite easy to catch and if left untreated, it can cause serious problems. Having untreated syphilis may increase your risk of catching HIV.

How do you get it?

Syphilis is spread by having unprotected sex (not using a condom) with someone who already has the infection. It can be spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex or just close skin-to-skin contact. Syphilis can also be spread from mother to baby during pregnancy and can cause miscarriage or still-birth if a pregnant woman is not treated.

What are the symptoms?

There are three stages of syphilis (although 50% of people with syphilis don’t have any symptoms):

First stage:

• Painless ulcers or sores which may appear on the genitals, anus or mouth.

Second stage: 

• A rash which may appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
• Mouth ulcers, headaches, swollen glands, fever, hair loss, tiredness, or warty growths around the genitals or anus.

Late stage:

• If left untreated, syphilis can cause damage to the heart, brain, spinal cord. nerves, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints.

How do you treat it?

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. It’s important that you have blood tests and you have regular contact with a specialist.