Overview

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It's usually spread through sexual contact. But it can also spread to the fetus of a person who has syphilis during pregnancy.

The first symptom is usually a painless, raised sore on the genitals, rectal area, or mouth. This is called a chancre (say "SHANK-er"). Later symptoms include a rash, a fever, and swollen lymph nodes. Your hair may start to fall out. Or you may feel like you have influenza (flu).

Sometimes these symptoms go away on their own. But this doesn't mean that the infection is gone. If you don't treat syphilis with antibiotics, the infection can spread in your body. You can also spread it to others.

Antibiotics can cure syphilis and prevent more serious problems caused by it. You and your sex partner or partners need antibiotic treatment. This is to prevent passing the infection back and forth or to others.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Get all the recommended shots. Your doctor probably gave you an antibiotic shot. If you've had syphilis for a while, you may need 2 more shots.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotic pills, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Don't have sexual contact with anyone while you're being treated. Wait at least 7 days after you and your partner or partners are treated and until all sores are healed before you have sexual contact. Even if you use a condom, you and your partner or partners can still spread the infection.
• Wash your hands if you touch an infected area. This helps prevent spreading the infection to other parts of your body or to other people.
• Tell your sex partner or partners that you have syphilis. They'll need treatment even if they don't have symptoms.
• Go to all follow-up tests. This helps your doctor check that treatment worked. Your doctor will tell you when to have testing done.

How can you prevent it?

Here are some ways to help prevent STIs.

• Limit your sex partners. Sex with one partner who has sex only with you can reduce your risk of getting an STI.
• Talk with your partner or partners about STIs before you have sex. Find out if they are at risk for an STI. Remember that it's possible to have an STI and not know it.
• Wait to have sex with new partners until you've each been tested.
• Don't have sex if you have symptoms of an infection or if you are being treated for an STI.
• Use a condom every time you have sex. Condoms are the only form of birth control that also helps prevent STIs.
• If you had sex without a condom, ask your doctor if taking a preventive medicine is recommended. It may help prevent certain STIs if it's taken within 24 to 72 hours after unprotected sex.
• Don't share sex toys. But if you do share them, use a condom and clean the sex toys between each use.

Vaccines are available for some STIs, such as HPV. Ask your doctor for more information.