Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). If left
untreated, syphilis can cause brain, nerve, tissue damage, and
death. Fortunately, syphilis can be treated with antibiotics.
Syphilis is caused by a specific bacteria. It is passed through
direct contact with a syphilis lesion, which may happen through:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person
- A pregnant woman who passes the infection to her unborn baby
(called congenital syphilis) Factors that may increase your
chance of getting syphilis include: - Having sex with a person
infected with syphilis - Having multiple sex partners - Not
using a latex condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex -
Touching a syphilis lesion - Having other sexually transmitted
diseases Symptoms will depend on what stage the syphilis is in.
There are four main stages. Primary (First) Stage within 10-90
days of exposure A single lesion will usually appear. It will
occur in the area where the infection was originally passed.
Common sites include the genital