Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria. You can get syphilis by having sex with someone who already has syphilis. Syphilis can infect the mouth, genital area, or rectum. It also may get into your body through cuts or broken skin. If untreated, syphilis can infect other parts of your body. Syphilis can be treated and cured with antibiotic drugs.

The symptoms of syphilis can be very mild during the early stages. Later, untreated syphilis can cause serious health problems. People with syphilis are also much more likely to get HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) if exposed to it.

There are four stages of syphilis:

• Primary (first) stage. The first signs (painless sores called chancres) of syphilis infection appear. The disease can easily be passed to another person when sores are present. If not treated, the disease continues to the second stage.

• Secondary (second) stage. Signs and symptoms include a skin rash. As in the first stage, the disease can be passed to another person when signs and symptoms are present. If not treated, the disease progresses to the next stage.

• Latent (hidden) stage. The disease is no longer contagious and cannot be passed to another person anymore. Some people with latent syphilis have no further symptoms or problems.

• Tertiary (third) or last stage. Some people with syphilis go on to suffer damage to body organs. They can develop serious complications or die from the disease.