HiTOPS.org ~ Syphilis

Syphilis

What is it?

Syphilis is caused by bacterium commonly called a spirochete. Syphilis can be very serious, even deadly, if left untreated. Modern health care and screening methods almost always detect the infection before it progresses far enough to be fatal. It is the least prevalent of the STDs in the U.S. at this time.

How do you get it?

Spread during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse with someone who has syphilis.

Incubation period

The incubation time for syphilis is from 10 days to three months. The average incubation period is 21 days.

Symptoms

First stage symptoms:

appear 1 - 12 weeks after having sex.
a painless, reddish-brown sore (a chancre) on the mouth or sex organs, lasting 1 - 5 weeks.
sore goes away, but syphilis is still present.

Second stage symptoms:

appear 2 - 10 weeks after sore appears and lasts 2 - 6 weeks.
a rash anywhere on the body.
flu-like symptoms.
rash and flu-like feelings disappear, but syphilis is still present.

Latent stage:

no symptoms, but 25% of those infected may have relapse of second stage symptoms.
may last 10 - 20 years.

Late stage of syphilis:

may occur 1 - 2 years after onset of infection or 30 - 40 years later.
ulcers, called gummas form on internal organs.
brain damage can result in insanity or death in 20% of people in this late stage.

Diagnosis

Syphilis is usually diagnosed by a blood test.

Treatment

Antibiotics can cure syphilis. They are given by injection.

What happens if you don't get treated?

You can give syphilis to your sexual partner(s).
A mother with syphilis can give it to her baby during pregnancy.
Heart disease, brain damage, blindness, and death may result.

Note: All sexual partners of anyone treated for an STD must also be treated. If you are treated for an STD and do not tell your partner(s) to get treatment, the STD will spread rapidly and you could be re-infected. Using a condom every time you have sex can help keep you well.