What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that spreads through vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person. It’s caused by bacteria and can be cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health problems such as blindness and permanent damage to the brain, heart, eyes, and nervous system.

What are the stages of syphilis?

Syphilis goes through four main stages, and the symptoms change as it progresses. In the first and second stages, it spreads very easily to other people. The four stages are called primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary (late) syphilis.

What is congenital syphilis?

A congenital syphilis happens when a pregnant person has syphilis and passes it to their baby during pregnancy. This type of infection can lead to serious health problems for the baby, and in some cases, it can even be life-threatening. That’s why it's important for doctors or midwives to check for STIs early during pregnancy, usually at one of the first check-ups. If you get syphilis, it's best to get medical treatment as soon as possible to help protect both the parent and the baby.

Who is at risk of getting syphilis?

Anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but some people have a higher chance of getting it. Your risk goes up if you:

• Have HIV

• Have had sex with someone who tested positive for syphilis

• Have sex without using protection, especially with different partners

• Are a man who has sex with other other man (MSM)

• Have another STI like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or herpes.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis symptoms change depending on how far the infection has progressed. You’re most contagious during the early stages, which is also when symptoms are easier to notice. In the first stage, you might notice one or more sores on your genitals. These sores can be painless and easy to miss or confuse with something like a pimple or a small cut.

In the second stage, you might develop a rash and feel flu-like symptoms such as tiredness, fever, sore throat, and muscle pain. 

After the second stage, syphilis enters a hidden or latent stage where you don't have any visible symptoms. But just because you don't feel sick doesn't mean the infection has gone away. The only way to get rid of it from getting worse is by taking the right medication.

What are the signs of syphilis?

At the beginning of syphilis, a small smooth sore can appear on your genitals, lips, or even inside your mouth. This sore might look like a pimple and be so tiny and painless that you might not even notice it. Usually, the sore goes away on its own after about six weeks. 

In the next stage, a rough rash develops. It usually starts in one place but spreads to cover the entire body, including the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet. You may also have sores or rashes inside your mouth or around your private areas.

How can you get syphilis?

Syphilis can affect your whole body, but the first sign is usually a sore that looks like a ulcer. This sore appears where the bacteria entered your skin during sexual contact. The places you’re most likely to find syphilis sore, called a chancre, include:

In women

• Inside or around the vaginal areal.

• Near the anus or inside the rectrum.

• On the lips or inside the mouth.

• On the vulva (the outer female genitals).

In men

• Beneath the foreskin of the penis.

• Around the anus or within the rectrum.

• On the penis or scrotum.

• On the lips or inside the mouth.

How do people catch syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by a type of bacteria called Treponema palladium. This bacteria is passed from one person to another during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can enter your body through the anus, vagina, penis, mouth, or any cuts or breaks in your skin. Once inside, the bacteria can spread through your body and may eventually harm important organs if left untreated.

How is syphilis passed on?

Syphilis can be passed from one person to another, especially during the early stages when sores, ulcers, or rashes are present. It spreads mainly through sexual contact, and you don't need penetration and ejaculation for it to happen. The infection can be transmitted if any part of your body comes into contact with someone’s syphilis sore or rash.

If you have syphilis and have sex, you can pass it to your partner. A pregnant person with syphilis can also give the infection to their baby during pregnancy. However, syphilis cannot be spread by touching things like toilet seats, eating utensils, or doorknobs because the bacteria do not survive on surfaces outside the human body.

How long does the infection stay contagious?

You can still have syphilis in your body even if you don't see any visible signs like sore or rashes. The infection does not go away on its own and stays active until you take antibiotics. Without proper treatment, you can still pass the infection to others, even if you don't realise you have it. If you think you've been exposed or notice any signs of infection, it's important to talk to a doctor or clinic as soon as possible to get checked and treated.

Is it possible to catch syphilis through kissing?

Yes, it’s possible to catch syphilis from kissing, but it doesn’t usually happen. The infection spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore, so if your mouth touches an open sore on someone else, there’s a chance you could become infected. The bacteria can also enter your body through cuts or broken skin. That’s why it’s important to get checked and treated if you think you might be infected or have been in contact with someone who is infected.

Can syphilis affect pregnancy?

Yes, syphilis can definitely cause serious problems during pregnancy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 40% of babies born to individuals who don't receive treatment for syphilis can die from the infection. The infection is usually passed to the baby while still in the womb, but it also can be transmitted during childbirth if the baby comes into contact with a sore on the vagina. When a baby is born with syphilis, it's known as congenital syphilis.

When syphilis is present during pregnancy, it can lead to several serious compilation such as:

• Losing the baby before birth (miscarage)

• Having a baby that weighs less than 5 pounds 8 ounces at birth (low birthweight)

• Giving birth too early (premature delivery)

• Stillbirth, which means the baby is born dead

• Problems with the umbilical cord

• Death of the baby within the first 28 days after birth, but this usually happens only if the infection isn't treated.

Because of these risks, it's really important to keep up with your pregnancy check-ups and get tested for STIs. Getting treated before you're 26 weeks pregnant gives you and your baby the best chance of staying healthy. 

What health problems can syphilis cause?

If syphilis isn't treated and reaches its final stage, it can cause very serious, even life-threatening problems. The longer the infection stays in your body, the more damage it can cause. That's why getting treated as soon as possible is really important. Without treatment, syphilis can lead to blindness, paralysis, and serious issues with your heart, brain, spinal cord, and other vital organs.

How can syphilis be detected?

If you think you're diagnosed with syphilis, the best thing to do is make an appointment with a doctor or visit a clinic. The doctor will probably ask you some questions about your sex life, like whether you use protection or how many partners you've had. It might feel awkward, but giving honest answers will help them figure out your risk and whether you need other STI tests too.

To check for syphilis, they'll usually take a blood sample. If you have any sores, they might also take a little bit of fluid or skin from the sore and look at it under a microscope. The only way to really know if you have syphilis is to get tested by a healthcare provider.

What is the treatment for syphilis?

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, which are medicines that kill the bacteria causing the infection. The most commonly used antibiotic is called penicillin. The treatment plan, including how much medicine you need and how long you take it, depends on how serious the infection is and the symptoms you have.

Even if the sores or rashes disappear, it’s very important to take all the medicine your doctor recommended. You should also let anyone you’ve had sex with in the past two years know, so they can get tested too.

After treatment, your doctor will probably test your blood again to make sure the infection is completely gone. Remember, you can get syphilis again after being treated, so it's best to use protection and get regular STI check ups if you're at a higher risk.

Can syphilis be completely cured?

Yes, syphilis can be cured with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. The medicine can stop the infection, but it can't fix any organs that were already damaged by the disease.

How is the outlook for people who get syphilis?

The outlook for people with syphilis is usually better if it is caught and treated early with antibiotics. When treated in the early stages, syphilis does not usually cause ongoing health issues. But if it is left untreated, the infection can worsen over time and lead to serious health complications. It may affect important parts of the body such as the heart, brain, eyes, bones, muscles, and nerves. In certain cases, it can be deadly. 

Is it possible to catch syphilis again after treatment? 

Yes, it's possible to become infected with syphilis again even after treatment. This is why using protection during sex and regularly getting tested is crucial, especially if you are at a high risk.

How do I protect myself from getting syphilis?

The only guaranteed way to to avoid syphilis and other STIs is by not having sex with multiple partners or by avoiding sexual contact with someone who has the infection. But if you are sexually active,  you can reduce the risk of infection by always using protection such as condoms or dental dams during any kind of sexual activity. Using them correctly is key to helping prevent infection.

It’s also a good idea to talk to your partner about their sexual health and whether they've been tested for STIs. if your partner has been exposed to syphilis and hasn't been treated, they are at high risk of passing it on to you. That's why it's important for both of you to get tested and treated if needed.

How can I stay healthy?

need prompt attention from a healthcare professional. If you’re diagnosed, it’s crucial to follow through with the full course of treatment to prevent spreading the infection to others. Additionally, you should:

• Notify all recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if necessary.

• Always practice safer sex by consistently using condoms or dental dams.

• Schedule regular screenings for syphilis and other STIs to monitor your sexual health.

• Limit your number of sexual partners to reduce risk.

• Feel comfortable discussing sexual histories openly with new partners to protect yourself and others.

At what stage should I consider medical attention?

Don't ignore it if you spot ulcers or rashes around your mouth or genitals. A healthcare professional can check for syphilis and begin treatment quickly. Getting treated early helps prevent long-term issues.