Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is passed from person to person through contact with a syphilis sore. The bacteria can be transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Common Symptoms

Syphilis presents symptoms in three main stages, aptly named the Primary Stage, Secondary Stage, and Latent or Late Stage. The STI is treatable at all stages--but without treatment, the infection will continue to progress.

Primary Stage syphilis does not always cause symptoms. However, this stage of syphilis can cause small, firm bumps or sores to appear (or, in some cases, just one bump) at the site of the infection. These bumps are rarely painful and disappear in 3-6 weeks.

Secondary Stage syphilis symptoms take the form of a mild red rash. Other symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, body aches, feelings of fatigue, weight loss, headaches, fevers, hair loss, or sore throats.

Latent or Late Stage syphilis infections are extremely uncommon, but dangerous. This stage of syphilis (which can take 10-30 years to develop) causes major damage to internal organs. This damage cannot be reversed by treatment, although the syphilis bacteria can be eliminated.

Prevention and Treatment

If you are sexually active, syphilis can be prevented by using condoms and dental dams correctly and consistently.

Infections in the primary and secondary stages can be completely cured by one large dose of penicillin. Infections in the latent or late stages may require three doses of penicillin.

If you are sexually active, it is important that you get tested regularly for STIs including syphilis, even if you do not have any symptoms.

Partner Notification

If you test positive for syphilis, it is important that you notify previous sexual partners so that they can get tested, too.

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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