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STD Information » Syphilis

Option 1  Syphilis

Quick Snapshot

  • Can it be cured?

    Yes
    Early stage syphilis is easily curable; Treatment is more difficult at later stages

  • Type of Infection

    Bacterial
    Syphilis is caused by the bacterium ema pallidum

  • How is it treated?

    Antibiotics
    A single injection of penicillin at early stage; Later stage treatment may require hospitilzation

 
  • Recovery Time

    Varies
    Recovery from syphilis is not complete until all the sores are healed; Damage from the disease may be permanent

  • Can I have sex?

    No
    Avoid sexual activity until the disease is fully cured

  • Can I get re-infected?

    Yes
    Sexual intercourse with an infected partner can lead to re-infection

 

Overview

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria (ema pallidum). The disease is passed from person to person through sexual contact. Syphilis is curable, and should be treated immediately to prevent complications.

How is Syphilis diagnosed?

Because of the fact that symptoms related to syphilis can disappear or may never present themselves at all, diagnosis is very difficult. Therefore it is important to see your doctor as soon as you find a sore on your genital area or an extensive rash. Syphilis is confirmed through laboratory testing:

  • Microscopically
    A sample from an open sore can be viewed to determine if the bacteria is present
  • Blood Sample
    Syphilis can also be confirmed through blood analysis.

How is Syphilis treated?

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. In early stages, a single injection of penicillin may be all that is necessary (other antibiotics are available in oral form for those allergic to penicillin). Later stages of the illness could require more aggressive treatment, possibly in a hospital.

Important note

Be sure to take all the medication your doctor prescribes, even if your symptoms go away!

 

Recovery Time

You are not considered fully recovered from syphilis until all of the sores are entirely healed. In addition, if the disease had progressed to the point of organ damage, this damage is irreversible.

Sexual Activity

Sexual activity should be avoided until all sores are healed completely. Having sex prior to this could cause the infection to spread to your partner. Additionally, it is imperative that your sexual partners be informed of your condition, as they should be tested and, if needed, treated. It is possible to be re-infected with syphilis, so you should avoid sex with any partner who has not been tested and/or treated.

Partners and Re-infection

You should refrain from all forms of sexual activity until your body is free from the infection. If you have tested positive for gonorrhea, all your sexual partners should be notified so they can be tested and treated. It is possible to be re-infected, so be sure to use all possible precautionary measures.

Prevention

As with all STD's, abstinence is the best method of prevention. A monogamous relationship with a partner who is free from the disease is a close second. Always using condoms correctly and limiting your number of sex partners can significantly reduce your risk of developing syphilis.

Symptoms

Syphilis Symptom Checker
Symptoms may appear 10 days to 3 months after infection.

Stage 1: Primary Syphilis:

  • Small, round, firm sore ("chancre") at the body location where the disease was contracted (penis, vagina, mouth, anus)
  • Lymph nodes near the area of infection are swollen
  • The chancre will disappear on its own, but the disease is not cured at this point

Stage 2: Secondary syphilis:

  • Rash: non-itchy, often on feet and hands, but could be anywhere
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Tiredness
  • Swollen glands
  • Less commonly: aches, fever, sores in mouth or around genitals, weight loss
  • May disappear on its own and might recur prior to proceeding to the next stage

Stage 3: Latent Syphilis:

  • Most symptoms are mild or gone
  • Still contagious

Stage 4: Tertiary Syphilis:

  • Rare to reach this stage
  • Bacteria causes damage to various bodily organs and tissues
  • Can cause a host of problems including blindness, deafness, mental illness, and even death

Transmission

While syphilis can be passed from mother to infant during vaginal delivery, the most common way to contract the disease is by sexual activity:

  • Anal Sex
  • Oral Sex
  • Vaginal Sex

Complications

Syphilis can cause many types of complications if left untreated:

Congenital Syphilis:

  • Anemia
  • Deformities
  • Developmental delays
  • Jaundice
  • Seizures
  • Development of tertiary syphilis and associated conditions

Pregnancy

  • Fetal death
  • Infant death
  • Miscarriage
  • Passing syphilis to the baby during delivery
  • Premature birth

Tertiary Syphilis

  • Blindness
  • Deafness
  • Death
  • Heart disease
  • Mental illness
  • Organ and tissue damage
  • Untreated syphilis also increases your risk of contracting HIV