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Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can spread without either partner knowing. The first signs are often a painless sore or rash followed by flu-like symptoms. Left untreated, it can lead to heart disease or brain damage.

Signs and symptoms

Syphilis has three stages:

Primary stage symptoms — a sore can develop where bacteria entered the body.

Secondary stage symptoms — a sore in the mouth, a rash can develop, warty growths on genitals, and a flu-like illness may develop.

If left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint and nervous system damage.

How do you get it?

Oral, vaginal or anal sex.
Skin contact with any sores or rashes.
From a mother to unborn child.

Testing and treatment

Blood samples will be taken and swabs from sores. The doctor will take a look at you all over as well as giving girls an internal examination. Treatment for syphilis is often given as a single injection or a course of penicillin injections, or in some cases, antibiotic tablets or capsules.

Long-term effects

If you have Syphilis when you are pregnant the disease can cause miscarriage or stillbirth (when the baby is born dead). It can also be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb.