Syphilis

is a bacterium and causes a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

about

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterium and causes a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis is mainly spread by intimate contact, including vaginal, oral and anal sex. It is a bacterium passed via sexual activity. Sores usually occur in the mouth, vagina, anus, rectum or external genitalia. Unfortunately, sores often go undetected because they are painless and can cause long-term complications. This can be avoided by early treatment with medication.

  • is it
    treatable?

    Syphilis infection occurs in 3 distinct stages. Primary or early (9-90 days), secondary (6 weeks - 6 months) and tertiary (6 months+). The normal treatment in the early stage is a course of antibiotics but later stages may require more complex treatment.

  • is it
    contagious?

    Yes, Syphilis is contagious and can be transferred to you or partner through:

    • unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
    • from a pregnant mother to baby

  • who does it
    affect?

    Syphilis can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms but symptoms may include painless sores and/or red rashes on palms of hands or the soles of feet.

  • common in
    Ireland?

    There were 205 cases of Syphilis in Ireland in 2014. Of these cases 69% occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM).

What is the test
for Syphilis?

Syphilis tests use a sample of blood to detect antibodies of the bacterium, or germ, that causes Syphilis.

Where can I
get this done?

Syphilis tests can be performed at a STI clinic, GP clinic or using a home test kit.

What are the
symptoms?

Syphilis can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms but symptoms may include sores that often go undetected because they are painless and can cause long-term complications that can be avoided once treated with medication early.

Female

During the early stage, painless sores on the genitals
During the secondary stage, red rash on palms of hands or soles of feet (rashes can appear on other parts of the body too)
During the tertiary stage, Long term damage to heart and brain

Male

During the early stage, painless sores on the genitals
During the secondary stage, red rash on palms of hands or soles of feet (rashes can appear on other parts of the body too)
During the tertiary stage, Long term damage to heart and brain

How is it
treated?

Syphilis infection occurs in 3 distinct stages. Primary or early (9-90 days), secondary (6 weeks - 6 months) and tertiary (6 months+). The normal treatment in the early stage is a course of antibiotics but later stages may require more complex treatment.

Other STIs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Ireland

Gonorrhoea

Also known as the ‘clap’ or ‘drip’ it's a very common infection in both men and women and can cause infections in the genitals, anus and/or throat.

Herpes

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus and can cause painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area.

HIV

HIV is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes HIV infection and over time AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

HPV (Genital Warts)

Genital warts are skin growths and can cause a lot of pain, itching and discomfort.

Syphilis

It is a bacteria passed via direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually occur in the mouth, vagina, anus, rectum or external genitalia.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It affects the liver and blood, it is the most common type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. It can be fatal if it isn’t treated!

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.