About Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is often called the "great imitator" because many of its symptoms resemble those of other diseases.

Syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact (oral, vaginal, or anal) when an individual comes in contact with a sore of syphilis. In cases where the sores are on the lips or inside the mouth, the infection can be spread through kissing. A pregnant woman can transmit the infection to her unborn child as well.

Syphillis is more common in those with HIV and in men who have sex with men.  Although it can cause serious problems if left untreated, syphilis can be cured with medication when it's caught in the early stages.

Symptoms

The symptoms of syphilis occur in different stages:

First Stage or Primary Syphilis

The first symptoms appear 10 to 90 days after infection. A woman may develop a chancre, a painless but hard sore inside her vagina, rectum, or mouth, as well as on her breasts; a man may have sores on his penis, scrotum, rectum, or mouth. In some cases, there may be multiple sores. The sore is very contagious. Even though it will spontaneously heal in one to five weeks, the person still remains infected. Without treatment, you will move into the next stage.

Second Stage or Secondary Syphilis

Approximately six to eight weeks after the sore has healed, you may develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and fatigue. You may also develop a rash on your palms and feet or all over your body. In addition, you may experience weight loss, hair loss, sore throat, and headaches. This stage typically lasts two to four weeks. 

Latent Syphilis

This stage begins after the second stage.  Generally, there are no symptoms although some people experience the symptoms of the second stage again.  This stage can last for months, even years.  Even though symptoms go away, you are still infected with syphilis.  Without treatment, you will go into the late stages of the disease.

Late stage or Tertiary Syphilis

At first, there may be no symptoms.  But as the infection travels through your body, it will begin to damage internal organs, blood vessels, bones, and other important body systems.  Eventually, you will develop serious conditions, including blindness, numbness, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, skin ulcers, heart problems, paralysis, and dementia.  Ultimately, syphilis can cause death.  

Diagnosing syphilis

Your clinician will check to see if you have symptoms and do a blood test. Looking at a sample of the sore under a microscope can reveal a syphilis infection.

Treating Syphilis

A Tapestry Health clinician will make a referral for treatment at an STI clinic, as syphilis is not treated at Tapestry Health. In its early stages, syphilis is treated with antibiotics. You should tell your partner(s) if you have syphilis. Your partner(s) should also have an evaluation and be treated, if necessary. You should not have sex until both you and your partner(s) complete treatment.

Complications

Untreated syphilis can have serious complications that affect skin, bone, the cardiovascular system, and the nervous system. Paralysis, blindness, psychosis and death can occur if the condition is not treated promptly.

Studies show that having a genital ulcer disease such as syphilis may increase your risk for getting Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

How to Protect Against STIs and HIV/AIDS

The only way to guard against getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not to have sex or to have sex only with partners who you know are free of infection. If you do have sex, you should use a latex barrier, such as a male condom, a female condom, or a dental dam, every time. If you are allergic to latex, use a polyurethane condom. Condoms provide protection against against STIs, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Tapestry Health clinicians recommend using such barriers even in combination with other methods of birth control. Latex condoms are preferred to lambskin condoms for the prevention of STIs. 

If you have questions about syphillis or any STI, talk to your clinician.