syphilis

Syphilis is caused by a bacteria which is easily passed from one person to another through sexual contact.

What are the signs and symptoms?

These can be difficult to recognise and may be missed

Syphilis has three stages:

First stage (3-4 weeks or more after you have contacted the syphilis bacteria)• a painless sore or sores where the bacteria has entered the body,

Second stage - (about 6 weeks later)
• Sores or white patches in the mouth or tongue
• a rash spreading all over the body
• warty growths on the genitals
• flu like symptoms

Third stage - (many years later)
• damage to the heart, joints and nervous system

Syphilis can cause miscarriage and still birth, so all pregnant women are tested for it.
Syphilis is found by taking a blood test.

Treatment

Treatment of first and second stage syphilis is simple and involves having a single antibiotic
For information and testing visit your local GP, or your local sexual health clinic