Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria. The initial infection causes an ulcer at the site of infection. It can also cause serious and permanent damage to the body if not cured. In some rare cases, particularly where treatment is not available, syphilis infection can cause death.

How do you detect syphilis?

Early symptoms of syphilis are often very mild, and treatment is often not sought when first infected.
Untreated, the infection progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent and tertiary.
It is most infectious in the first two stages, and does the max harm during the latent and tertiary stage. Syphilis produces a wide range of symptoms and is often very difficult to diagnose.
The main symptom of primary syphilis is a single open sore at the point of infection, typically on the genitals, anus or throat.
People with few or no symptoms are still infectious, and can progress to later stages of Syphilis.

What are the consequences of syphilis if left untreated?

Long-term infection can cause serious and permanent damage to the body.

These complications can include major internal or external sores, serious cardiovascular and mental health problems, and damage to other organs such as the brain, eyes, bones, blood vessels and ears.
In some cases, these complications can lead to death.
As Syphilis can cause lesions and sores on the genitals or anus, it increases the risk of transmitting and receiving the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Over time, the bacteria moves throughout the body, causing damage to many organs.

These cases are mostly among gay men.

How do you contract syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is passed through anal, vaginal or oral sex. An infected pregnant woman can also pass along the infection to her unborn child.

In an infected person the bacterium spreads from the initial ulcer to the skin or mucous membranes of:

the anus of a sexual partner
the genital area
mouth

Can syphilis be prevented?

Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. Remember, a person can reacquire syphilis infection, so their partner(s) should also be tested and if required, treated.

The best way to help prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex practices.
Use condoms each and every time you have sex. Condoms or dental dams can be used for protection during oral sex.
Avoid multiple sexual partners.
Try to know the sexual history of the person with whom you are having intercourse.
Avoid having sex under alcohol or drugs use, as you do not remain in control of self.

Is it contagious?

Syphilis is most infectious during the primary and secondary stages, and can also be infectious during the early latent stage, particularly during relapses to secondary stage symptoms.

When can I have sex again?

You should not have sex until you have been completely treated, symptoms have disappeared, your tests for syphilis are negative and you get a medical certificate stating that you are no longer infectious.

Your partner should also be tested for the same.