If left untreated, syphilis can invade multiple systems in the body and damage organs.
This can be life-threatening.
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What Is Syphilis?
Jon Feingersh Photography Inc / Getty Images
Syphilisis a form of STI.
It is curable, but if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.
The infection occurs in four stages:
The different stages can cause different symptoms.
Tertiary syphilis is the most serious stage and can result in a number of complications.
This may occur on or near the:
Typically, the sores are painless, firm, and round.
In primary syphilis, they may last between three to six weeks and heal even without treatment.
Treatment is still necessary, though, to prevent progression to secondary syphilis.
In secondary syphilis, rashes and sores may appear on or near the anus, mouth, or vagina.
The infection also can be transmitted from a pregnant person to the fetus.
During oral, anal, or vaginal sex, syphilis spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore.
Syphilis is not spread through casual contact.
This can lead to side effects and complications.
Neurosyphilis
Neurosyphilismost commonly occurs in people who have had untreated syphilis for years.
It typically occurs 10 to 20 years after the initial infection with syphilis.
It is a bacterial infection of the spinal cord and brain.
It is resulting from the same bacterium that causes syphilis,Treponema pallidum.
Not everyone with syphilis will develop neurosyphilis.
These are called gumma and are swollen or dead tissue.
They are brought on by the same form of bacterium that causes the syphilis infection.
This happens when syphilis infection occurs either prior to pregnancy or during pregnancy.
It is more common for infection to be passed on if the parent is infected during pregnancy.
However, infection can still be transmitted by a person infected before they became pregnant.
Possible symptoms include:
Late congenital syphilis may cause symptoms after the age of 5.
Some people may be undiagnosed even into adulthood.
Sometimes fluid taken from a syphilis sore is also tested.
If you have symptoms that indicate syphilis, you should be tested.
Your sexual partners should also be tested.
Treatment
Syphilis can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
However, this won’t be able to reverse the damage already done by the infection.
Even after treatment, it is possible to get syphilis again.
This includes vaginal, anal and oral sex.
It can be spread through sexual contact and can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy.
If left untreated, the infection can impact multiple systems and organs in the body.
This can be life-threatening.
A Word From Verywell
Having an STI can be uncomfortable.
If you have symptoms that indicate syphilis, it is important to reach out to a healthcare provider.
They can provide testing and treatment that will help prevent dangerous complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Syphilis may take on a different appearance depending on the stage of the infection.
In primary syphilis, you may get sores that are firm and round.
In secondary syphilis, a rash may also appear that is red, reddish brown, or rough looking.
If left untreated, syphilis can impact multiple organs and systems within the body.
This can be life-threatening.
Length of treatment varies based on the stage of the disease.
Tertiary syphilis may require a longer treatment period than primary syphilis.
Treatment may be required for weeks or longer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Syphilis CDC fact sheet,
MedlinePlus.Neurosyphilis.
12 Mar 2021. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2021.160304
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Aortic aneurysm.
