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What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems if it is not treated. It is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). There are different signs and symptoms associated with each stage.
How is it spread?
You can get by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can find sores on or around the penis, vagina, or anus, or in the rectum, on the lips, or in the mouth. It can spread from an infected mother to her unborn baby.
What does syphilis look like?
Syphilis is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary), with different signs and symptoms associated with each stage. A person with primary syphilis generally has a sore or sores at the original site of infection. These sores usually occur on or around the genitals, around the anus or in the rectum, or in or around the mouth. These sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless. Symptoms of secondary syphilis include skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The signs and symptoms of primary and secondary syphilis can be mild, and they might not be noticed. During the latent stage, there are no signs or symptoms. Tertiary is associated with severe medical problems. A doctor can usually diagnose tertiary syphilis with the help of multiple tests. It can affect the heart, brain, and other organs of the body.itsy
How can I reduce my risk getting Syphilis?
The only way to avoid STDs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting:
- Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have syphilis;
- Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. Condoms prevent transmission of by preventing contact with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. Contact with these sores can still transmit.
Am I at risk?
Any sexually active person can get through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for syphilis or other STDs.
How will I or my doctor know?
Most of the time, a blood test is used to test. Some health care providers will diagnose by testing fluid from a syphilis sore.
Can it be cured?
Yes, it can be cured with the right antibiotics from your health care provider. However, treatment might not undo any damage that the infection has already done.
- All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis at their first prenatal visit.
- You should get tested regularly if you are sexually active and
- are a man who has sex with men
- are living with HIV; or
- have partner(s) who have tested positive
