Patient Services: Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria that are passed sexually. It can infect the vagina, anus, urethra or penis, as well as the lips or mouth. Syphilis progresses into three stages, with each stage having different symptoms. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health risks. About 36,000 American women and men become infected with syphilis every year.
Common Symptoms (by stage)
- Primary Stage: A painless open sore called a chancre appears, typically on the genital area, mouth or other infected area.
- Secondary Stage: Symptoms occurring in the secondary stage may come and go for up to two years and include body rashes that last several weeks—often on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Other symptoms include mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, hair loss, weight loss, swollen glands, headache and muscle pains.
- Late Stage: One out of three people who have untreated syphilis suffer serious damage to the nervous system, heart, brain or other organs- which may result in death. This can occur one to twenty years after the start of the infection.
Testing and Treatment
Testing for syphilis is available at all PPIN health center locations.
- Testing: The diagnosis of syphilis is usually confirmed with a blood test.
- Treatment: Syphilis can be cured in the early stages with antibiotics. Any damage caused by syphilis in the later stages cannot be undone.
Reduce your risk: practice safer sex!
