Signs and Symptoms of

Syphilis

A little bit about it:

Only the first two stages of Syphilis are infectious

and the symptoms vary according to the stage of
the disease.

Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema

pallidum. Syphilis is a highly contagious disease
primarily spread by unprotected sexual activity,
including oral and anal sex. Syphilis can also be
passed on through prolonged kissing and close
bodily contact, it can be also caught by direct
contact with open sores. Women who are pregnant
are also at risk of spreading it to their baby and can
cause abnormalities and even death to the child.
Syphilis CANNOT be spread by toilet sets,
doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bath tubs,
shared clothing or eating utensils.

First stage
The first stage of Syphilis can be missed as there
may not be any symptoms though it usually would
occur as a sore in the genital area including the
penis or vagina or anus and mouth. If a sore occurs
it may not be noticed in the mouth, rectum or on the
vagina or cervix but it is usually painless and
appears three to four weeks after infection. Usually
the sore heels completely within four weeks, if a
person is not treated they may go into second stage
of Syphilis.

Second Stage
During the second stage of syphilis which can be up
to two years a person may experience a flat, red
skin rash on the soled of a persons feet or hands
and sometimes the entire body. The rash is
contagious and can be confused with the measles
and diagnosis may be missed and blood test would
not be done either. A person may have swollen
lymph nodes and non specific symptoms including
hair loss, pain in the joints or flu like illness.

Cause of the infection and how it is spread:

Is Syphilis common in Australia?

In 2011, men aged 15 years and over had a rate of
diagnosis seven times as high as women aged 15
years and over, with 12 per 100,000 men diagnosed
compared with 1.7 per 100,000 women.

Could I have Syphilis and not

know it?
Yes you could as the vast majority of the sores go
unrecognised and the infected person is often
unaware of the disease and unknowingly passes it
on to his or her sexual partner. The sores can be
hidden in the vagina anus, under foreskin of the
penis or the mouth and it may not be
obvious.Unless you know your sex partner has been
tested and treated, you may be at risk of getting
syphilis.

*Per 100,000 population aged 15 years and over

Syphilis
Syphilis is a chronic bacterial disease that is
caused mainly by infection during sexual
intercourse, but also congenitally by infection
during pregnancy of a developing baby.

Where can I get more

information?
Here are some sites and organisations that provide
information and help:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/
conditionsandtreatments/sexually-transmissibleinfections-stis

http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/
syphilis#3

http://www.cdc.gov/STD/

http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/default.htm

How is Syphilis
diagnosed?

What would happen if

Syphilis isn't treated?

The disease can be easily

diagnosed with a quick,
inexpensive blood test
which you can get from
your doctor or a health
clinic.

If left untreated syphilis can

eventually cause damage to
vital parts of your body like
your brain, nerves, eyes,
heart, blood vessels, bones
and joints. In some extreme
cases Syphilis can cause
diculty coordinating muscle
movements, paralysis,
numbness, gradual blindness,
mental illness and even death.

Telling you sexual partner:

Most people appreciate
being told they might have
an STI, as often they are
unaware. Your doctor can
help you or this site
www.letthemknow.org.au
tells them anonymously via
email/ SMS

Things to remember:
Anyone who is sexually
active can catch as STI

Correct use of condoms

can held reduce the risk

Medical treatment can

sure some STIs and
relieve symptoms for
Syphilis

CDC-INFO Contact Center

1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)

How is Syphilis treated?

If you have been infected with the disease for less then a
year, a single dose of penicillin is usually enough to kill
the infection, options like tetracycline, doxycycline or
other antibiotics are available if penicillin in unavailable
or allergies arise. If you have been infected for longer
then a year more and higher doses may be prescribed.
Treatment early in the infection period is needed to help
prevent further complications and avoid spreading to
sexual partner(s), though someone should avoid sexual
contact until all the treatment has finished.

How to reduce the Risk of getting

the Infection:
Always have safe sex use a condom (water-based
lubricant)

Remember that syphilis is also spread through oral sex.

If you are a gay man or a man who has intercourse with

other men, get a syphilis test and other STI checks at least
yearly, just to be safe!

Seek early advice if you notice oral, genital or anal sores, or

rashes on your body, hands or feet related to recent sexual
contact(Contact a doctor)