Syphilis

Syphilis Stages and Symptoms

Primary Stage:

• A single, or multiple sores that are often round and do not cause any pain.
• Individuals may be unaware that they have syphilis.
• The wounds may heal on its own
• It is important to continue treatment to prevent further stages of infection.

Secondary Stage:

• Rash on the skin may be present and sores in your mouth, vagina and/or anus
• Fever, fatigue, headaches, hair loss, weight loss, sore throat
• Without medical treatment, the symptoms could lead to the third stage of syphilis.

Latent Stage:

• No noticeable signs or symptoms of syphilis.
• Without treatment, the syphilis infection can stay in you body for long periods of time.
• In this stage, syphilis can not be transmitted⁽¹²⁰⁾.

Tertiary Stage:

• Affects the internal organs, different systems of the human body and can possibly lead to death if left untreated.
• This stage of syphilis might only develop 10-30 years after becoming infected.

Who is at greater risk?⁽¹¹⁷⁾

• A man who has sex with other men
• An individual who has HIV

Screening & Testing⁽¹¹⁷⁾

• Blood test
• Testing a sample of discharge from a sore

Treatment⁽¹¹⁷⁾

• Prescribed medication is recommended for adolescents and adults depending on the stage of syphilis
• Treatment will not correct the damage the disease has already caused, but is important to slow down and prevent the disease from worsening.

Prevention⁽¹¹⁷⁾

• Get tested if:
  • You have signs and symptoms of syphilis
  • You have a sex partner who has syphilis
  • You are pregnant
  • You are a man who is sexually active with other men
  • You have HIV and are sexually active
• Latex condoms should be used consistently and correctly every time an individual has sex
• Transmission of Syphilis can occur in areas of the body that a condom does not protect you from
• Do not engage in sexual intercourse
• Limit the number of sexual partners you have