Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, and it can damage many organs if left untreated. It spreads mainly through oral, vaginal and anal sex by contact with infectious sores, and also in pregnancy, by sharing injecting equipment and, rarely, through blood or organ transplants. Early infection often causes a painless sore on the genitals, anus or mouth, and later features include a non-itchy rash on the palms and soles, swollen glands and patchy hair loss; many people notice no symptoms at all. Untreated infection can cause serious heart, brain, nerve, eye and hearing problems years later, and infection in pregnancy can lead to stillbirth or congenital syphilis in the baby. Diagnosis rests on clinical and sexual history, examination, swabs from sores and blood tests. Syphilis is curable with antibiotics, and a penicillin injection is the first-line treatment, with other antibiotics as alternatives.

Seek urgent care for fever with flank pain, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine. See a doctor for burning on urination that lasts more than two days, urinary symptoms that keep returning, or any change in urinary flow in men over 50. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.