Syphilis is a serious but treatable bacterial infection, sexually transmitted as well as passed from mother to baby. It has two distinct infectious stages referred to as primary and secondary syphilis. If left untreated it also has a latent stage, occurring sometime within 2 years after initial infection. It is during the latent period that syphilis bacteria can damage the heart, joints and possibly the nervous system. This stage can last for years, even decades.
Signs and symptoms of syphilis The symptoms of syphilis are the same for both men and women and can appear within 9-90 days after exposure, although 2-6 weeks is general.
Primary stage syphilis involves the appearance of one or more sores or ulcers either on the outside or the inside of the body. These ulcers are very infectious and are usually found on the part of the body exposed to the partners sore, such as the vulva, vagina, penis, anus or mouth. Internal sores can be found on the cervix, tongue, lips or other parts of the body. Regardless of whether the infection is treated, the sores usually disappear within the space of a few weeks.
Secondary stage syphilis may occur anytime within a two-year period of initial infection. It usually affects those who have not received treatment and may come and go over a period of one to two years. Symptoms of secondary stage syphilis include:
A non-irritating rash that may cover the whole body or appear in patches. The soles of the feet and palms of the hands are almost always affected; Wart-like flat growths on the vulva in women and around the anal area of both sexes; Mild flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, swollen glands and tiredness; Patchy hair loss; White patches in the mouth.
Transmission and prevention of syphilis Syphilis is transmissible during both the primary and secondary stages. When symptoms are present it is highly infectious. It can be transmitted by:
Having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person; A mother to her unborn baby; Any physical contact with the rash or sore on any part of the body.
It is possible to prevent transmission during the infectious stages by:
Not having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person; Ensuring any sexual contact incorporates the use of a condom; Avoiding any contact with any infectious sores or rashes until treatment is completed; Testing and treatment of pregnant mothers.
Treatment of syphilis Syphilis can be treated and cured during the primary, secondary and latent stages. However, any damage to the heart or nervous system that has occurred during the latent stage may be irreversible.
Treatment usually consists of a 3-week course of penicillin injections. It is essential that the course of treatment is completed and uninterrupted. Upon completion of treatment, regular visits to the clinic for blood tests will usually be necessary to ensure the infection has cleared.
