Syphilis

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a reportable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria. The rate of syphilis is increasing in both males and females, but more so in males.

People who may be at risk for syphilis include:

• those who have had sexual contact with somebody known to have syphilis,
• men who have sex with men (MSM),
• sex workers,
• those with street involvement/homeless,
• injection drug users,
• those with multiple sexual partners,
• those with a history of other STIs,
• people from a country with a high rate of syphilis, and
• sexual partners of any of the above.

How is syphilis spread?

Syphilis is mainly spread through oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Any other form of sexual contact (e.g. fingering, fisting, mutual masturbation) can spread the infection if there is direct contact with sores, semen, vaginal fluids or blood. Syphilis can also be spread through sharing drug equipment, though the risk appears to be quite low. A pregnant woman can pass on the infection to her baby during pregnancy or at the time of delivery.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis has three different stages, all with different symptoms. Not everyone notices their symptoms, so it is possible to have syphilis even if you do not remember feeling sick.

First stage (primary syphilis) symptoms:

• Large, painless lesion called a chancre. This is where syphilis bacteria entered the body through a break in the skin.

Second stage (secondary syphilis) symptoms:

• All over body rash that can include the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Hair loss
• Swollen lymph nodes

Third stage (tertiary syphilis) symptoms:

• After the second stage, people may have no symptoms for years (latent infection).
• If syphilis is left untreated for a long time, the bacteria can affect the heart and brain.
• Tertiary syphilis can be crippling or fatal.

When are people with syphilis contagious?

People with syphilis can give the infection to their sexual partner(s) anytime from when they have the first sign of infection up to one year after having no symptoms.

Testing

Syphilis is tested by a blood test. If a chancre is present, a swab may also be taken. It can take up to two weeks before test results are known.

Can syphilis be treated?

Yes. Syphilis is treated with an antibiotic, usually given by an injection into a muscle. The amount and length of treatment depends on the stage of syphilis.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of getting syphilis by:

• using a barrier method (condom, dental dam) any time that you have oral, vaginal or anal sex,
• limiting the number or sexual partners you have,
• knowing your partner's sexual and drug use history, and
• not sharing any drug equipment.

What are the risks of having syphilis?

Syphilis can be life threatening if it is left untreated. Syphilis, as with other STIs, also increases the risk of getting and giving HIV.

For further questions regarding syphilis, contact the KFL&A Public Health Sexual Health Information Line.

Revised: 2011-12-05