Sexually Transmitted Infections > Guide to STIs > Syphillis

Syphillis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection. It is less common than some other STIs but confirmed cases in the UK are on the increase. The bacteria that cause it spread through broken skin or mucous membranes.
 
 

How do you catch it?


Syphilis can easily be passed from one person to another through unprotected sexual contact:
• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Intimate touching
• Shared sex toys
• Can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby
 
 

Symptoms


Syphilis can develop in three stages:
 

Primary syphilis:
• Symptoms start with a painless but very infectious sore on the genitals (or sometimes round the mouth). If a person comes into close contact with this sore, they can become infected.
• The sores can take 2-6 weeks to heal
• During this time, the infection will spread to other parts of the body and become secondary syphilis

Secondary syphilis:
• Symptoms include a sore throat and/or skin rash
• Tiredness and loss of appetite
• White patches on the tongue or roof of the mouth
• Patchy hair loss

Tertiary syphilis:
If not treated, the disease can spread to this third phase. This is extremely rare in the UK. Untreated syphilis can, after many years, affect the brain, eyes, internal organs, bones and nervous system.
 
 

Treatment


The primary and secondary stages are when you are most infectious to other people. If diagnosed early enough, syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Penicillin is the most common form of antibiotic treatment for syphilis.

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