What to do
Get Tested!
Blood samples will be taken and swabs from sores may be taken to check it is not herpes. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, either as an injection or tablets.
If syphilis is suspected, you should not have oral, vaginal or anal sex and anyone you have sexual contact with, should not have contact with any sores or rashes you may have until your treatment is finished.
After treatment, you will be asked to attend the clinic at regular intervals for blood tests.
If you can, you should let anyone that you have had sexual contact with in the last 3 - 6 months know that they may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and that they need to be checked out and possibly tested.
Signs and Symptoms
What to look out for
Syphilis has three stages:
Primary stage symptoms - painless sores can develop where bacteria has entered the body.
Secondary stage symptoms - a rash can develop along with warty growths on the genitals often with a flu-like illness.
Latent stage symptoms - if left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint, brain and nervous system damage
Long Term Effects
If left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart disease and brain damage.
Syphilis
Infection
Syphilis is a bacterial infection and can be spread without either partner knowing. If left untreated it can over time lead to heart disease and brain damage. It used to be more commonly known as 'the pox'.
Getting it
Syphilis can be passed on during the primary or secondary stages through:
- Oral, vaginal or anal sex
- Skin contact with any sores or rashes
- From a mother to unborn child
- It is not usually infectious when there are no symptoms
