Syphilis

Back to Previous Page

Definition

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If left untreated, syphilis can cause brain, nerve, tissue damage, and death. Fortunately, syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.

Causes

Syphilis is caused by a specific bacteria. It is passed through direct contact with a syphilis lesion, which may happen through:
  • Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person
  • A pregnant woman who passes the infection to her unborn baby (called congenital syphilis)

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of getting syphilis include:
  • Having sex with a person infected with syphilis
  • Having multiple sex partners
  • Not using a latex condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Touching a syphilis lesion
  • Having other sexually transmitted diseases

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on what stage the syphilis is in. There are four main stages.

Primary (First) Stage within 10-90 days of exposure

A single lesion will usually appear. It will occur in the area where the infection was originally passed. Common sites include the genitals, rectum, tongue, inside of the mouth, or lips.
It will start as a raised and painless lesion. It will gradually break down to form an ulcer. The ulcer is painless at first with raised edges. They usually last for 3-6 weeks. The ulcers will heal on their own.
Without treatment, the infection may move to the secondary stage. This can happen even if the ulcers are no longer visible.
Lymph Nodes
Male Lymph nodes
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Secondary Stage Several Weeks to Months after the Original Lesion

This stage is marked by the appearance of a non-itchy rash. This rash may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It is also possible for different rashes to appear in other places on the body. These rashes may appear as:
  • Small blotches or scales
  • Moist warts in the groin area
  • Slimy white patches in the mouth
The rash may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as:
  • Sore throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes throughout the body
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle aches
Untreated secondary symptoms will disappear within a few weeks, but there may be repeated episodes during the next few years.

Latency (Resting) Stage May Last for Years

The infection is still present but there are no symptoms. It may or may not progress to the third stage. Blood tests for syphilis will be positive during this stage.

Tertiary (Third or Late) Stage

This stage may begin years after the initial infection. This stage has become very rare in developed countries. In this stage, the infection begins to damage:
  • Brain and nerves
  • Eyes
  • Heart and blood vessels
  • Liver
  • Bones and joints
Damage can be serious enough to cause death. Symptoms include the following:
  • Small bumps called gummas on the skin, bones, or internal organs
  • Blindness
  • Central nervous system damage, including weakness, numbness, trouble walking, difficulty with balance, memory problems, and loss of bladder control

Congenital Syphilis

Babies born with this infection can have problems, such as deafness, cataracts, and seizures. It can also cause premature births or stillbirths.
Fetal Infection
DW00030 96472 1
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:
  • Examining samples taken from lesions
  • Blood test to detect syphilis antibodies.
  • spinal tap to look for infection in fluid around the spine and brain
Syphilis testing is part of routine prenatal care. This is done to treat and prevent congenital syphilis.

Treatment

Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and length of treatment will depend on how long you have been infected.
If you have syphilis, avoid sexual relations until treatment is complete and the infection is cleared up. All sex partners should be notified. They will need to get treated as well.

Prevention

To reduce your chance of getting syphilis, take these steps:
  • Abstain from vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
  • Have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.
  • Use a latex condom during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. This is especially important if you are unsure of your partners status.
  • Have regular checkups for sexually transmitted diseases.
It may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Do not assume your partner is healthy just because you do not see lesions.

RESOURCES

American Social Health Association http://www.ashastd.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada Sexually Transmitted Infections http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca

Sex Information and Education Council of Canada http://www.sieccan.org

References

Congenital syphilis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated October 24, 2011. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Latent syphilis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated September 6, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Syphilis. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/syphilis/understanding/Pages/default.aspx. Updated December 17, 2010. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Syphilis-CDC Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm. Updated February 11, 2013. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Syphilis (primary phase). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated October 16, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Syphilis (secondary phase). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated October 16, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Syphilis (tertiary phase). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated March 12, 2012. Accessed May 16, 2013.

Workowski KA, Berman S, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines, 2010. MMWR 2010;59(No. RR-12):1-110.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Copyright © EBSCO Publishing
All rights reserved.