Syphilis Information, Care, and pREVENTION

Syphilis 101

  • Syphilis is a bacterial infection, caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.

    There are four stages through which untreated syphilis progrsses through, each stage with its own unique signs and symptoms. Complications that may develop in later states cannot be reversed with treatment, including serious damage to the brain, heart, nervous system, and even death.

    Scroll down to learn more about the four stages and their symptoms.

  • Syphilis can be passed on when infected lesions/sore/chancre come in contact with the soft skin of the mucous membrane found inside the vagina, urethra, or rectum

    It is most easily spread during the first (primary) stage because symptoms usually go unnoticed.

    Syphilis can also be contracted from exposure to lesions or syphilitic sore during the secondary stage. If sores are present, they may easily spread the syphilis bacteria.

    Syphilis bacteria are extremely fragile, they cannot be spread during contact with objects such as toilet seats, towels, pools or sharing utensils or clothes.

    Syphilis can be transmitted during pregnancy or during childbirth from parent to infant.

  • Penicillin is used to treat syphilis. Even if someone has a true penicillin allergy. Most providers will provide a neuro syphilis exam to see if there are any other effects from the infection.

    It is recommended to refrain from sex until after treatment is confirmed to have worked or until the person is no longer symptomatic. Treatment can stop the infection from worsening symptoms but it cannot reverse any damage done by syphilis.

 

View our syphilis tri-fold guide by clicking on the button below. You can also download the guide once you open it.

View Syphilis Tri-fold

The 4 stages of syphilis:

  • Primary Stage

    The primary stage of syphilis is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore, known as a chancre, within 10 to 90 days after contact with the bacteria at the site of infection. The sore can last from three to six weeks. The chancre will go away with or without treatment. Without treatment, the person will still have syphilis and can transmit it to others.

  • Secondary Stage

    The secondary stage of syphilis can develop 17 days to 6 1/2 months after infection. Symptoms can last from 2 to 6 weeks. Symptoms can include: a rough, reddish-brown rash. Symptoms of secondary syphilis will clear up with or without treatment, but the disease will still be present if untreated. It will then enter into a latent stage, which has no signs or symptoms.

  • Latent Stage

    Latent syphilis develops from two to 30+ years after infection. Because there are no signs or symptoms, the only way to test for infection during the latent period is by blood test.

  • Tertiary Stage

    Symptoms of late stage or tertiary syphilis can occur 2 to 30+ years after infection. Complications during this stage can include: gummas, problems with heart and blood vessels, or chronic nervous system disorders, such as blindness, insanity, paralysis & death.Latent syphilis develops from two to 30+ years after infection.

Where can I get confirmatory testing and treatment?

  • Denver Health

    Denver Sexual Health Clinic offers confirmatory blood testing and treatment.

    (303) 602-3540

    Click Here

  • Colorado Health Network

    CHN offers confirmatory blood testing and treatment.

    (303) 962-5317

    Click Here

  • Vivent Health

    Vivent Health offers confirmatory blood testing and treatment.

    (303) 393-8050

    Click Here

Syphilis Prevention

Routine tESTING

While testing cannot prevent a syphilis infection, routine testing can let you know if you have an active syphilis infection. Routine testing can also prevent syphilis from progressing onto other stages.

Barrier Tools

Barrier tools like condoms and dental dams can help in preventing syphilis infections. Physical barriers prevent the bacteria from coming in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue, lowering the probability of transmission.

Talk about testing!

Talking to you sexual partners about their testing habits may help reduce possible transmission.