What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria spread through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus of an infected person or from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. Syphilis is sometimes called "the great imitator" because many of its signs and symptoms are identical to those of other diseases.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis is a relatively silent disease, and most people do not realize they have the disease until they develop serious health problems.

The primary phase of the disease begins as with a small sore (called a chancre), which forms where the germ has entered the body. The sore usually on or near the genitals, but it can also occur around the mouth or anus.  The sore does not hurt, and it goes away on its own within three to six weeks. The bacteria do not go away, however, and the infection will grow if not treated.
 
If an infected individual does not seek treatment during the primary phase, he or she will move into the secondary phase, which is characterized by rashes (especially on the palms of the hand and bottoms of the feet), hair loss, headaches, fever and sore throat, bone aches and swollen joints. 

If the infection is left untreated over a period of years, syphilis will move into the third phase, which may cause arthritis, blindness, heart disease, mental illness, and death.

Where is syphilis prevalent?

The incidence of syphilis decreased throughout the 1990s and reached an all-time low in 2000. During the past few years, however, the number of cases has grown by as much as 8%.  Increase in syphilis has occurred only among men, especially those men who have sex with other men.
Blacks are more likely to contract syphilis than whites, though the gap is narrowing. The areas most burdened with syphilis cases are large cities with large numbers of men who have sex with men, especially San Francisco, Atlanta, Baltimore and New Orleans.

How is syphilis treated?

Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider, but the disease must be caught in its early stages.

If left untreated, syphilis can cause long-term damage to the nerves, heart and organs.  The illness may cause stillbirth, death soon after birth, and physical deformity in children of infected women. Syphilis, like other STDs with sores, facilitates the spread of HIV and increases transmission of the virus two- to five-fold.

There are two reasons why syphilis and other STDs indicate a greater chance of contracting HIV.
1. Ulcerative STDs that cause sores, ulcers, or breaks in the skin or mucous membranes disrupt barriers that provide protection against infections. The sores can bleed easily, and when they come into contact with oral and rectal fluids during sex, they increase HIV susceptibility.
2. Having other STDs makes the possibility of HIV infection more likely because STDs are a marker for behaviors associated with HIV transmission.

How can I protect myself from syphilis?

The best way to avoid transmission of syphilis and all STDs is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected.

Avoiding alcohol and drug use-which often lead to risky sexual behavior-and talking to partners about their STD histories may also help to prevent transmission of syphilis. Latex condoms will help protect against sores located in some, but not all genital areas. Condoms lubricated with spermicides (especially Nonoxynol-9 or N-9) are not more effective than other lubricated condoms in protecting against STDs. In fact, several studies have shown that N-9 itself may itself cause genital lesions and provide a point of entry for these illnesses.

Catching STDs, including syphilis, cannot be prevented by washing the genitals, urinating, and or douching after sex. If you notice any unusual discharge, sore, or rash, especially in your groin area, stop having sex and see a doctor immediately.

To find out more about syphilis, check out the Centers for Disease Control web site, http://www.cdc.gov/std/syphilis/STDFact-Syphilis.htm, or ask your doctor.