Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI) caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum and can affect both men and women. Since 2002, the number of people with infectious syphilis in Victoria has increased steadily, with the rate of new diagnoses doubling every six to nine months. Almost all recent cases have been in gay men. Blood tests will show if a person has the infection.
You can catch syphilis through oral, vaginal or anal sex with a person who has the infection. It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area. Syphilis is highly contagious when the sore or rash is present. Pregnant women who have syphilis can pass on the infection to their unborn baby. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion.
Early treatment is effective, but there may be no symptoms of early syphilis. Untreated syphilis can be fatal and may lead to chronic brain or heart disease. A person who has syphilis has a significantly increased risk of acquiring HIV.
Used correctly, condoms, female condoms and dams will reduce the risk of syphilis and other sexually transmissible infections.
Symptoms during the three stages of syphilis
There are three stages of syphilis. Only the first two stages are infectious.
First stage (4 to 6 weeks)
The first stage of syphilis occurs as a sore on the penis, vulva (lips of vagina), anus or mouth. The sore:
* May be hidden from view, in the rectum or on the cervix
* Is usually painless
* Appears three to four weeks after infection – however, it can occur any time between 10 days and 90 days after infection
* Normally heals completely within four weeks.
If you have first stage syphilis and are not treated, you will remain infectious even if these symptoms disappear. You may also go on to develop the second stage of the disease. All stages must be treated.
Second stage (0 to 24 months)
During the second stage of syphilis, there may be:
* A flat, red skin rash, which is very contagious and may occur on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands, or may cover the entire body
* Enlarged lymph nodes
* Hair loss
* Lumps on the genitals
* General tiredness.
If you are infected with syphilis and do not seek treatment, you can remain infectious for up to two years.
Third stage (may occur years later)
The third stage of syphilis occurs in about one-third of untreated people. Severe brain or heart complications may occur during this stage.
Penicillin is very effective against syphilis
Penicillin is a very effective treatment for syphilis. Other treatments are available if you are allergic to penicillin.
Treatment early in the infection is needed to help prevent third stage complications. If you find that you have syphilis, recent sexual partners will need to be tested and treated.
Avoid sex until the infection is cured
You should not have sex until your treatment has finished and follow-up blood tests have confirmed the infection is cured.
Reduce your risk of infection
Ways you can reduce your risk of catching syphilis include:
* Always use ‘safe’ sexual practices, including condoms and dams
* Reduce the number of sexual partners you have
* Remember that syphilis is commonly spread via oral sex
* Seek early advice if you notice oral, genital or anal sores, or rashes on your body, hands or feet
* For men who have sex with men, get a regular STI test, including a syphilis blood test (at least every 12 months).
Where to get help
* Your doctor
* Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9347 0244 or 1800 032 017 or TTY (for the hearing impaired) (03) 9347 8619
* Victoria AIDS Council/Gay Men’s Health Centre Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
* Education and Resource Centre at The Alfred Tel. (03) 9276 6993
* The Centre Clinic, Northcote Tel. (03) 9481 7155
* The Centre Clinic, St Kilda Tel. (03) 9525 5866
* Family Planning Victoria Tel. (03) 9257 0100 or 1800 013 952
* Action Centre (for youth 25 years and under) Tel. (03) 9654 4766 or 1800 013 952
* The Annexe Sexual Health Clinic Ballarat Tel. (03) 5338 4540
* BBV/STI Clinic Bendigo Tel. (03) 5434 4330
* Geelong Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5221 4735
* STD Clinic Wodonga Tel. (02) 6051 7535
* STD/AIDS Clinic Traralgon Tel. (03) 5173 8111
* HIV – Sexual Health Connect Tel. 1800 038 125
Things to remember
* There are three stages of syphilis. The first two stages are infectious.
* Syphilis is easily treated.
* If left untreated, syphilis could lead to serious brain or heart complications.
