Syphilis
Symptoms
At first, sores or ulcers called a ‘chancre’ caused by the syphilis (pronounced sif-a-lis) bacteria might appear on the genitals, or in the case of unsafe oral sex on the face, lips, or inside the mouth. These are usually not painful therefore people often don’t realize they have been infected. As the sores are sometimes internal (eg. on the cervix or up the anus) you might not even notice they are there.
While these sores will go away on their own the syphilis bacteria stays in your blood, spreads through your body and you become infectious. This can also cause serious long-term effects such as infections of the brain and other organs.
How do you get it?
It’s spread through unsafe sexual contact. You can get syphilis through vaginal, anal or oral sex and just by skin-to-skin contact with the infectious sore or ulcers. Pregnant mothers can also pass the disease onto their babies. Both girls and guys can get syphilis.
How do I know I have it?
Testing for syphilis usually involves a blood test and/or providing a sample of fluid from the ulcer or sore on a cotton bud.
As many people have no obvious symptoms, they often find they have been infected in a routine medical check such as an antenatal visit or sexual health check.
What’s the treatment?
The most effective treatment for syphilis is a course of penicillin injections. If you can’t have penicillin, your doctor will discuss the best treatment with you.
What to do
For advice, see your local doctor, family planning clinic or sexual health clinic.
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