STIs 3: Syphilis

Syphilis

Syphilis is an STI transmitted through direct contact with the sores the infection causes on the mouth, lips, vagina, penis, anus, or rectum.
Primary Syphilis. Initially causes sores that will heal on their own, but the infection will still be present and can progress to:
• Secondary syphilis: Rash, sore throat, muscle aches, tiredness, and swollen lymph nodes
• Tertiary syphilis: No symptoms for many years; eventually can affect every part of the body; at this stage, can damage the heart and nervous system and can cause death

Blisters or ulcers (sores) on the mouth, lips, genitals, anus, or surrounding areas

If left untreated, the sores syphilis causes will heal on their own, but the infection will still be present and can progress and cause serious problems.
If left untreated, syphilis can damage the heart and nervous system and can cause death.
Syphilis can be transmitted to a baby during pregnancy, causing stillbirth or the death of the baby shortly after delivery. Transmission to a baby can be avoided if the woman is treated early in pregnancy. If a pregnant woman tests positive for syphilis, she and any sexual partners must receive treatment as early in the pregnancy as possible. Repeat testing should be done close to delivery, if possible.

An infected client should inform all sexual partners he or she has had in the last three months about the infection (if possible) and encourage them to come to the clinic for more information and treatment—even if a partner does not have any symptoms—to avoid reinfection.
An infected client should avoid sex (1) until the sores are completely healed after treatment to make sure he or she does not pass the infection to others, and (2) for seven days after any partner completes treatment so he or she does not get infected again. If abstinence is not possible, the client should use a male or female condom during anal, oral, or vaginal sex, making sure all sores are covered.