Syphilis
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:
- 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
- flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, tiredness, headache and sore throat
- flat, wart-like growths on the genitals.
Tests and treatments
- A swab is taken from one of the sores and blood and urine samples will be taken. The swab might be a bit uncomfortable but should not be painful.
- 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.
- Left untreated, syphilis can have very serious consequences over time to all the major organs in the body and this damage can be fatal.
Contacts
The contacts database contains details of organisations that may be able to offer information or assistance on this issue.
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