Syphilis Information

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be spread through vaginal, anal and/or oral sex.  You can also become infected through sharing of equipment for injection or snorting drugs. Infection can also occur following deep, wet kissing.  During pregnancy, a mother infected with syphilis can spread the infection to the developing fetus.

Cause: A bacteria called Treponema pallidum

Symptoms: Many people have no symptoms at all but can still transmit syphilis and are at risk for complications. Syphilis infection occurs in three stages:

Primary Syphilis: A painless sore (chancre) appears in the genital area or mouth 3 days to three months after the initial contact. The sore may heal without treatment within 2 to 6 weeks. Syphilis in this stage is highly infectious.

Secondary Syphilis: Two to eight weeks after the appearance of the initial chancre sore other symptoms may develop, such as a rash on the chest or back and/or on the soles of feet and palms of hands, swollen glands and a general feeling of being unwell.

Tertiary Syphilis: Can occur following an untreated infection causing serious health problems to the brain, heart and skin or possibly death.

Neurosyphilis: At any stage, the bacteria can travel through the body and reach the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of this stage can include ringing in the ears, headache, decreased hearing and/or decreased vision.