Syphilis Learning Center

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and a bacterial infection. You don't have to have intercourse to get syphilis. Kissing someone with an active lesion will transmit the bacteria. Active lesions are called chancres. The Syphilis Learning Center Media Gallery has some very graphic images if you are curious about what they look like - or want to scare yourself into seeking immediate treatment. Symptoms vary depending on the stage of the infection. Tests will be done to verify the diagnosis. There are three stages of syphilis infection - early, latent and tertiary. It is important to seek prompt medical treatment at the first sign of infection and to inform your sexual contacts of your diagnosis so they can get treatment. Syphilis is a reportable disease which means that your health care provider is required by law to notify local health of your case.

Treatment hasn't changed much over the years. The cause of syphilis is the T. pallidum organism which, unlike other bacteria cannot be grown in the lab - but its simplicity has kept it susceptible to treatment with penicillin for all of these years. The Syphilis Learning Center gives you all the information you need about antibiotic drug therapy for syphilis. Let your health provider know if you have allergies to penicillin or other antibiotics. Take any medication exactly as prescribed to completely cure the infection and prevent recurrence of the disease. Once you complete your course of antibiotics, you will need to be tested several times to make sure there has not been any recurrence of the disease. Avoid sexual contact with others while you are infected. Syphilis cases are on the rise again, so prevention is critical.

Left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious complications. Babies can be born with syphilis as the bacteria can be transmitted across the placenta. Most cases of syphilis occur with the most sexually active age group (ages 15-30 years) so be sure to educate sexually-active teens about STD's. HIV and syphilis often occur together. If you are diagnosed with one of these infections - play it safe and be sure to be tested for the other.