Playin' It Safe

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the vulva, urethra, or cervix in women and the penis or foreskin in men.

How is it passed on?

It is passed on through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex, by sharing sex toys, direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has syphilis sores or rashes, or from a mother to her unborn child.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Symptoms often go unnoticed, but a typical symptom of first stage Syphilis is:

• One or more small, painless sores on the genitals, anus, tongue or lips

If the infection is not treated, second-stage syphilis can occur and typical symptoms include:

• A rash over the whole body or in patches
• Flu-like symptoms such as swollen glands, tiredness, headache and sore throat
• Flat, wart-like growths on the genitals

What are the tests and treatments?

A swab is taken from one of the sores and blood and urine samples will be taken.

Syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. Your sexual partner should also get treated to avoid re-infection. Pregnant women can be treated safely with no risk to the unborn baby.

If left untreated, Syphilis can have very serious consequences over time to all the major organs in the body and this damage can be fatal.