Syphilis Fact File
Syphilis is one of the oldest known sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but despite modern medicine’s advancements, it remains a significant public health concern. Cases have been rising in recent years, making awareness and education more important than ever.
This fact file provides a detailed, easy-to-understand guide to syphilis, what it is, how it spreads, the symptoms to watch out for, and what you can do to prevent and treat it. Whether you’re looking to protect yourself, a partner, or simply expand your safe sex knowledge, understanding syphilis is crucial for maintaining good sexual health.
While syphilis can be serious if left untreated, the good news is that it’s entirely curable with the right medical care. Read on to learn more about recognising the signs, seeking treatment, and staying safe.
What is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It's primarily spread through sexual contact, including vaginal and oral sex. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious health complications affecting the heart, brain, and other organs.
Despite being less common than some other STIs, syphilis has been on the rise in recent years, making awareness and education crucial.
Important: If you suspect that you may have been exposed to Syphilis, then it advised that you visit the NHS website or contact a medical professional.
Symptoms of Syphilis
Syphilis is known for its varied symptoms, which can be subtle and easily overlooked. The infection progresses through several stages, each with distinct signs:
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Primary Stage: This initial phase typically presents with a small, painless sore or ulcer, known as a chancre, at the site where the bacteria entered the body. This could be on the genitals or mouth. The sore usually appears about three weeks after exposure and heals on its own within a few weeks, but the infection remains in the body.
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Secondary Stage: If untreated, syphilis progresses to this stage, characterised by a non-itchy rash that often appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Other symptoms may include flu-like feelings, such as tiredness, headaches, and swollen glands. These signs may come and go over several weeks or months.
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Latent Stage: In this phase, the infection remains in the body without causing any noticeable symptoms. This stage can last for years, during which the bacteria continue to reside in the body.
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Tertiary Stage: Without treatment, syphilis can advance to this severe stage, potentially causing serious health problems affecting the heart, brain, nerves, eyes, and other organs.
Symptoms in Women
In women, the symptoms of syphilis mirror those experienced by men, but there are certain considerations to be aware of:
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Primary Stage: Sores may appear on the vulva, vagina or cervix. Because these sores are painless and may be located internally, they can easily go unnoticed.
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Secondary Stage: Women might experience a rash on the palms and soles, along with flu-like symptoms. Additional signs can include white patches in the mouth and wart-like growths on the vulva or around the anus.
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Latent and Tertiary Stages: As with men, if left untreated, syphilis can progress to stages that cause significant health complications, including damage to vital organs.
Symptoms in Men
Men infected with syphilis may observe the following:
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Primary Stage: A single, painless sore may develop on the penis or scrotum. This sore heals on its own but signifies the presence of infection.
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Secondary Stage: Men might notice a rash that often covers the palms and soles, along with symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. Wart-like growths can also appear around the anus.
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Latent and Tertiary Stages: Without appropriate treatment, the infection can lead to severe health issues, including neurological and cardiovascular problems.
Treatment for Syphilis
Early detection and treatment of syphilis are vital to prevent long-term health issues. The standard treatment involves antibiotics, typically administered as injections. The duration and type of treatment depend on the stage of the infection:
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Early Stages (Primary and Secondary): A single dose of antibiotics is often sufficient.
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Late Latent and Tertiary Stages: Multiple doses may be required over a more extended period.
It's essential to complete the full course of treatment and abstain from sexual activity until a healthcare professional confirms the infection has been fully treated. Regular follow-up blood tests may be necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
How to Avoid Getting and Spreading Syphilis
Preventing syphilis involves adopting safe sexual practices and being mindful of one's sexual health:
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Use Condoms: Consistently using condoms during vaginal and oral sex can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
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Regular Testing: If you're sexually active, especially with multiple partners, regular STI screenings are crucial. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and reduces the risk of spreading the infection.
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Communication: Open discussions with sexual partners about STI status and sexual history can help in making informed decisions.
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Avoid Sharing Needles: Syphilis can also be transmitted through blood; therefore, never share needles or other injecting equipment.
Complications of Syphilis
If left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe health complications:
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Neurological Issues: Problems such as headaches, altered behaviour, and movement difficulties.
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Cardiovascular Problems: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) issues including issues like angina, aortic aneurysm, and heart failure.
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Organ Damage: Syphilis can affect various organs, leading to complications in the liver, bones, and other tissues.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent these severe outcomes.
Syphilis in Pregnancy
Pregnant women with syphilis can transmit the infection to their unborn child, leading to congenital syphilis. This condition can cause severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or developmental issues in the baby.
Routine antenatal screening for syphilis is standard practice in the UK to ensure early detection and treatment, thereby reducing the risk to the baby. Expectant mothers diagnosed with syphilis will receive appropriate antibiotic treatment and close monitoring throughout their pregnancy.
Always Use a Condom
Syphilis is a serious but entirely treatable infection. Awareness, early diagnosis, and proper treatment are key to preventing long-term complications and stopping its spread. While the symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, regular STI testing and practising safe sex can help protect both you and your partners.
If you suspect you have syphilis or have been exposed to it, seeking medical advice as soon as possible is essential. With prompt antibiotic treatment, syphilis can be cured, and potential complications can be avoided.
Ultimately, maintaining good sexual health is about being informed, taking precautions, and having open conversations with partners and healthcare professionals. By taking these steps, we can work towards reducing the impact of syphilis and other STIs, ensuring a healthier future for everyone.
For more detailed information, you can visit the NHS website on syphilis.
Read more: Guide to Condoms
