Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)

Syphillis

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that both men and women can get. In New York and other cities, syphilis cases have increased recently among men, especially men who have sex with men,many of whom are HIV-infected. For this reason, it is recommended that men who have sex with men and men who are HIV -infected be tested for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) regularly. Women engaging in high-risk sexual behavior should also be screened for syphilis.

How is syphilis spread?

Syphilis is spread through direct, skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore, lesion, or moist rash. Usually the contact occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.Other intimate contact, such as kissing, can spread syphilis if syphilis sores are present in the mouth or on the lips. Syphilis can also be passed from a woman to her unborn baby.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Most people with syphilis infection have no recognizable symptoms. If symptoms ARE experienced, they can include rashes (especially on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet). Painless, open sores called chancres (pronounced "shankers") can appear on the penis, the anus, inside or outside the vagina, on the mouth or lips, or on any skin exposed during sex. Other symptoms include patchy hair loss, fever, swollen lymph glands,muscle aches, and fatigue.

Symptoms (when they are noticed) usually last several weeks and disappear, even without treatment. Although the symptoms go away, syphilis infection remains in the body. If left untreated, over the years, syphilis can permanently and seriously damage the heart, brain, and nervous system.

How will I know if I have syphilis?

Since most people with syphilis don't have symptoms, the best way to find out is to get a blood test. (Giving your doctor a chance to find infections that don't have symptoms is one reason it's so important to get regular check-ups, even when you're not feeling sick!) If you have a sore or a rash, your doctor or other health-care provider may also collect a sample of fluid from the skin or sore with a small swab during an exam and have it tested at a laboratory.

How is syphilis treated?

Antibiotics can cure syphilis, often in a single dose. To be cured, however, syphilis must be treated early, before permanent damage occurs. Long-term damage caused by syphilis (years after exposure) cannot be cured. A person can become re-infected after treatment if exposed to syphilis again.

What happens if syphilis is left untreated?

Even though the outward symptoms of syphilis disappear without treatment, the infection itself remains in the body. Left untreated, syphilis can cause very serious and permanent damage to the heart, brain, and nervous system. The results of this damage may not show up for many years. The final result may be death.

Like other STDs, if left untreated, syphilis can increase a person's chance of getting or spreading HIV. If you have symptoms or think you've been exposed to syphilis, get examined and treated immediately to avoid any complications.

Do sex partners have to be treated?

Yes, if you're diagnosed with syphilis, it's important to tell everyone you've had sex with over the past year, so they can be examined and treated, too. Take all your medication as directed, even if you feel better before the medicine is finished. Don't have sex until you and the people you've had sex with have been completely treated and all of your symptoms have disappeared, or you could infect each other again.

What if I'm pregnant?

Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can cause severe problems for the newborn, including mental retardation, blindness, deformities, and, even, death.

All pregnant women should be tested for syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, as early as possible in pregnancy. Women who are infected should be treated immediately and tested again throughout the pregnancy, especially if they have any new partners, or if they have more than one partner. If left untreated, syphilis and other STDs can be devastating for your baby. To protect yourself and your baby against STDs, use a latex condom during sex, especially when you're pregnant.

How can I avoid syphilis?

Latex condoms may be helpful in preventing the spread of syphilis, but only when the infectious area is covered or protected by the condom. Anytime a person has skin-to-skin contact with a syphilis sore or rash on the penis, in the rectum, in the vagina, in the mouth or elsewhere on the body, it is possible to get syphilis.

Sexually transmitted infections can be avoided by not having sex. If you are sexually active, you can reduce your risk of getting chancroid and most other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, by having sex only in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner you are sure is not infected. If you are having sex outside of such a relationship, you can reduce your risk of STDs by:

1. Always using a latex condom (or other type of latex barrier) whenever you have sex-vaginal, anal, or oral. Condoms made of "natural" materials, such as lambskin, protect against pregnancy, but not against STDs. If you are allergic to latex, you can use condoms made of polyurethane or other synthetic materials.
2. Limiting the number of people you have sex with. The more partners you have, the higher your risk.
3. Avoiding alcohol and drugs when you have sex. Drinking or getting high makes it much harder to remember to use condoms to protect yourself and others. For free, confidential help with a substance abuse problem, call 1-800-LIFENET (1-800-543-3638), or just call 311.

More information

Free, confidential STD exams and treatment, and confidential or anonymous HIV counseling and testing, are available at Health Department clinics in all 5 boroughs of New York City. Health insurance, proof of citizenship, and parental consent are NOT required. For a list of clinics and hours, visit nyc.gov/health, or call 311.