Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and spreads from person to person via skin or mucous membrane contact with these sores. Syphilis can also be passed from mothers to unborn children. The best way to prevent syphilis is to practice safe sex. Use condoms during any type of sexual contact.

To detect primary or secondary syphilis, the doctor or healthcare professional will take a blood sample to run tests, and also conduct a thorough physical examination. If a sore is present, they may take a sample from the sore to determine if the syphilis bacteria are present.

The disease starts as a painless sore, typically on the genitals, rectum or mouth. After the initial infection, the syphilis bacteria can remain inactive in the body for decades before becoming active again. Primary and secondary syphilis are easy to treat with a penicillin injection. Penicillin is one of the most widely used antibiotics and is usually effective in treating syphilis.