Syphilis: Symptoms, Diagnoses, Prevention and Treatment
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that, if untreated, can cause serious health problems. It goes through stages - primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary - each with different symptoms and signs.
"In 2021, Australia recorded 5,570 cases of infectious syphilis."
Source: Australia's Annual Sexual Health Check Up 2022
Syphilis is a medical condition that may affect any body system.
Syphilis FAQs
Syphilis spreads through direct contact with a sore during sex or from an infected mother to her baby. Casual contact with objects like toilet seats doesn't spread syphilis.
Avoiding sex is the only sure way to prevent STDs. If sexually active, reduce risk by being monogamous, using condoms, and getting regular syphilis tests, especially if at higher risk.
Sexually active individuals, especially those having unprotected sex with an infected partner, are at risk. Regular testing is advised, especially for gay or bisexual men, those with HIV, on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), or with partners testing positive.
Pregnant individuals with syphilis can pass it to their baby, causing problems. Regular testing during pregnancy is crucial, with prompt treatment if positive.
Syphilis has stages with different signs—painless sores, rashes, and serious organ damage. Untreated, it can affect the brain, eyes, or ears.
Doctors use blood tests or test fluid from a syphilis sore to diagnose.
Yes, with the right antibiotics. However, treatment may not reverse damage caused by the infection.
Yes, having syphilis once doesn't protect you from getting it again. Follow-up testing is crucial to confirm treatment success, especially if partners aren't tested and treated.