Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Any sexually active person can get syphilis through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Syphilis is spread by direct contact with a syphilitic sore (called a Chancre). Sores can be found on the penis, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, and mouth. Syphilis can also be spread from an infected mother to her baby.
To completely avoid STIs, abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
If you are sexually active, reduce your risk of syphilis by:
Most of the time, a blood test can be used to test for syphilis. The fluid from a chancre may also be tested.
Syphilis can be called “the great imitator” because it has symptoms that look like many other diseases. Symptoms may include sores, skin rashes, and mucous membrane lesions. Symptoms can occur in stages over time.
Syphilis can be cured with the right medication. However, treatment will not undo any damage the infection has already caused.
A single injection of penicillin (an antibiotic) is usually enough to cure syphilis. Three injections are needed for late stage syphilis.
Without treatment, syphilis can cause severe damage to the heart, brain, and other organs, leading to long-term health problems or death. It can also be transmitted to unborn babies, leading to serious birth defects or stillbirth.
It’s easier than you think. Let’s find a location close to your home.
