Syphilis

What Is Syphilis {SIF/ill/is}? 
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria.

How Do I Get Syphilis? 

• From vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person or direct contact with a syphilis sore. 
• Condoms give some protection, but may not cover sores at the base of the penis, on the outside of the vagina or on the rectum.

How Do I Know If I Have Syphilis? 

• The symptoms are the same for both males and females. 
• Many people have no symptoms.

How Do I Get Tested? 

• A doctor will look at your sore or rash and a blood test will be done. 
• The STD clinic also has a special microscope that helps diagnose a syphilis chancre (sore) while you wait.

Stages of Syphilis

• Stage 1 (9-90 days after contact)
  -  Painless sores (from pinpoint size to as large as a quarter) appear on the penis, in or around the vagina, in the mouth, in the rectum or on the breasts.
  -  Sores disappear in 2-4 weeks but bacteria stays in the body.
  
• Stage 2 (1-6 months after contact)
  Very Contagious 
  -  Flu like symptoms, fever, fatigue, pain in your joints and muscles.
  -  Painless rash on the hands, feet, or whole body.
  -  Swollen lymph nodes.
  -  Hair loss. 
  -  Symptoms may disappear but bacteria stay in the body.
  
• Stage 3 (2-40 years after contact)
  Very Contagious
  -  The bacteria may cause blindness, paralysis, deafness, brain and heart disease, and death.

How Do You Treat Syphilis? 

• Syphilis can be cured if you take the right antibiotic. 
• Tell your sexual partner(s) so that they can be treated. 
• After treatment, don’t have sexual contact until the syphilis sore is completely healed.

What If I Don’t Treat The Infection? 

• Syphilis may cause blindness, paralysis, deafness, brain and heart disease and eventually death. 
• Pregnant women can pass the infection on to their babies. This can sometimes cause birth defects or death of the baby.

How Can I Prevent The Spread Of Syphilis? 

• Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.
• Practice “Safer Sex”. Always use condoms! 
• If you think you have been infected with an STI, get checked out. 
• Limit the number of sexual partners you have. 
• Ask your partner about his/her sexual history. 
• Avoid having sex with an infected person. 
• Tell your partner if you have an infection. 
• Get education, guidance and support.

For more information call or email the Sexual Health Program:
Ph: 578-2513
E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca