Syphilis

What is it?
Syphilis is an organism that infects blood and other bodily fluids, which if not treated in the early stages can be very serious.

How is it spread?
By unprotected sex with a person who has the infection.

What are the symptoms?
There can be three stages of infection:

First stage - a painless sore found near or on the vagina or penis or sometimes the mouth and anus. This sore may take between one and 12 weeks to appear from the time of infection and will usually be around for two or three weeks.

Second stage - a rash on the body may appear within two to six months of original infection. Flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and sore throat may be experienced.

Both these stages may not be noticeable. If not treated:

Third stage - permanent damage to the heart, brain and other organs - which could be fatal. This final stage is quite rare and can arise many years after the first infection, when treatment has not been given.

How is it treated?
Antibiotics will be given to clear the infection. It is important that both partners are treated to avoid re-infection. Follow up appointments may be necessary.