Syphilis

Syphilis video.

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum and it affects both men and women. Syphilis affects the body in stages, but often you may have no symptoms at all.

• The primary stage (10 days – 6 weeks) is usually a small, red ulcer/sore which heals itself after 3-6 weeks. This is called a chancre (pronounced ‘shanker’). There may be one or multiple and they may be painful or painless. You might also notice swollen glands in the area near the sores. If syphilis is not treated it will progress to the second stage.
• The secondary stage (1 week – 6 months after the first stage) may show a rash on the skin, particularly on the palms of the hands, and soles of the feet, and often on the trunk (chest, stomach and back). There may also be swollen glands, headaches, aches and pains, hair loss, deafness or eye problems.
• The latent stage often has no signs or symptoms, but the syphilis is still in the body and will show up only in a blood test for syphilis.

If left untreated at any stage, damage can be done to the brain, nervous system, bones, eyes and other organs, and this may not be apparent for years. Syphilis can be easily spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex. Even if you have had the infection before, you can catch it again. Syphilis may also be passed on through deep kissing if the infected partner has an ulcer (chancre) in their mouth.

Syphilis can be passed on from a pregnant mother to her baby at any stage of the pregnancy. If syphilis is found during pregnancy it can be treated to prevent the infection from being transmitted to the baby. Pregnant women are routinely offered syphilis testing along with tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and Rubella.

The best way to stay free from syphilis, and other sexually transmitted infections, is to practice safer sex. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection and having syphilis makes it easier for HIV to be transmitted. Using a condom or dental dam will reduce the risk of contracting any sexually transmitted infection, including syphilis. Syphilis sores are very infectious and can sometimes be on areas not covered by the condoms, or be hidden in the vagina, rectum or mouth. It is important to attend for regular sexual health checks so that infections can be picked up and treated early.

Until recently, syphilis was not very common. A large rise in the number of syphilis infections was observed in the last decade, particularly among men who have sex with other men and locally we have recently seen an increase in infections among young straight/heterosexual people in Lanarkshire.

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. It is important if you are treated for syphilis that you go back to the clinic to check the infection is completely gone, and to ensure any partners are also tested/checked and, if necessary, treated so you do not re-infect each other. It is advised to avoid sexual contact until you and your partner have got the all-clear. Follow-up appointments to ensure the treatment has worked are carried out by the team at the sexual health clinic, usually over a 12-month period.

If Syphilis is left untreated, the symptoms may go away by themselves, but syphilis will not go away without treatment. If left untreated, you may develop serious complications in the future and you could pass it on to any partners. The syphilis test normally involves a blood test and if an ulcer/sore is present a swab will also be taken. For some people, syphilis may not show up in the blood test straight away and so it may need to be repeated. This is why it is important to have regular sexual health checks.

If you have any concerns about syphilis or any other STIs, you should make an appointment at a local clinic to confirm and speak to any partners about it. If you would like to make an appointment at any one of our clinics, please call 0300 303 0251 (line open: Mon – Thurs: 8am–4:45pm and Fri: 8am–3:45pm). A list of all clinic times and venues is on the Services page of this website. Testing can also be performed by your GP.