Syphilis

Caused by a bacteria, so can be cured with antibiotics.

Symptoms develop in 3 stages, including:

Primary Stage:

• A painless sore where the bacteria entered the body.
• Sore could be found on: vagina or cervix, penis, anus or in the mouth
• Appears 21-90 days after infection.
• Disappears on its own but the infection is still there!

Secondary Stage:

• Flu-like illness.
• Widespread rash covering the whole of the body often seen on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, it does not itch.
• White patches may be seen on the tongue or in the mouth.
• Appears 3-6 weeks after the primary sores.
• Symptoms will clear themselves but may re-occur if the Syphilis infection is left untreated.

Latent or Third Stage:

• No symptoms.

Can take 10 or more years but damage will be caused to your heart, nervous system and brain or major joints.

Test involves a blood sample.

Treatment can cure Syphilis but if left to the latent stage, any damage caused by the infection cannot be reversed.

Prevention... use a condom!