Pronounced: "Siff-ill-iss"

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacteria that infects the vulva, urethra, or cervix in women and the penis or foreskin in men.

How is it passed on?

It is passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, by sharing sex toys, direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has syphilis sores or rashes, or from a mother to her unborn child.

Signs and symptoms

Sometimes symptoms go unnoticed, but typical signs of first-stage syphilis infection include:

• Main symptom is sores where the syphilis bacteria entered the body: One or more painless sores on or in the genital area of men and women which can last around 3-4 weeks.

If the infection is not treated, second-stage syphilis can occur and typical symptoms include:

• A rash over the whole body or in patches
• Flat, wart-like growths on the genitals
• Mouth sores
• Flu-like symptoms such as:
•    swollen glands
•     tiredness
•     headache
•     sore throat
  

Tests and treatments

• Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. To avoid re-infection, sexual partners should also be treated.
  
• Pregnant women can be treated safely with no risk to the unborn baby.
  

Long term effects:

If left untreated, it may lead to heart disease and brain damage.

Left untreated, syphilis can have very serious consequences over time to all the major organs in the body and this damage can be fatal.

For more STI info: www.ruthinking.co.uk, www.fpa.org.uk, STD Factfile