Syphilis
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is a serious and chronic disease that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. In 2023, 209,253 cases of syphilis (all stages, including congenital) were reported which is the highest number since 1950.
Symptoms
primary Stage
The first stage, also known as primary syphilis, usually starts with a small, painless sore or lesion called a chancre. The chancre appears at the site of infection, typically on the genitals, anus, or mouth, and can last for several weeks. It is highly infectious and can easily be transmitted to another person through sexual contact.
secondary Stage
The second stage of syphilis, known as secondary syphilis, occurs a few weeks after the appearance of the chancre. The symptoms include a rash on the palms and soles of the feet, fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and fatigue. These symptoms may go away on their own, but the disease will progress to the next stage if left untreated.
latent Stage
Latent Stage of syphilis is when you don’t have any symptoms for years. The bacteria remain in the body and can progress to the tertiary stage of the disease.
tertiary Stage
The third stage of syphilis is known as tertiary syphilis, and it is the most severe stage of the disease. It can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, and other organs, and can even lead to death. Symptoms of tertiary syphilis can include severe neurological problems, blindness, deafness, and heart failure.
Treatment
The good news is that syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, especially if it is caught early. Penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis, but other antibiotics may be used for those who are allergic to penicillin.
Prevention
The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex. This means using condoms consistently and correctly during sexual activity, especially with new partners. It is also essential to get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections, even if you have no symptoms. If you are pregnant and have syphilis, it is important to get treated as soon as possible to protect the health of your baby. Syphilis can be transmitted from a mother to her unborn child, and can cause serious complications, including stillbirth, neonatal death, and developmental delays.
Sources
- Written by Love Hurts, Inc. (Medically reviewed by Kecia Gaither, MD on November 1, 2025)
- CDC: “Syphilis -- CDC Fact Sheet.”
- Mayo Clinic: “Chlamydia trachomatis.”
- WebMD: “Syphilis”
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