Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by the Treponema pallidum bacteria. This STD has been well known throughout history. It is most common in low-income, minority, heterosexual couples. Syphilis is also frequently found in individuals who trade sex for drugs (most often crack cocaine), and those who are homeless. There is a 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV infection when syphilis is present. Georgia reported a total of 549 cases of primary and secondary syphilis in 2004, ranking third in the nation for rates of primary and secondary syphilis.
Organisms that cause Syphilis
How do I get this STD?
This STD is spread during vaginal, anal, and oral sex with someone who has Syphilis.
What should I watch for?
There are four stages of symptoms that occur when Syphilis is left untreated.
What does Stage 1 look like?
VERY GRAPHIC!
In the first stage, you will develop a painless reddish-brown sore or chancre. This usually happens 1-12 weeks after you have had sex. It can appear on your mouth, sex organs, rectum, breasts, or fingers. This sore will last 1-5 weeks and heals on its own. You are still infected.
In the second stage, the infection is now in your blood. It's been 1 - 6 weeks since the first sore appeared. You may have a fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite, headache, joint pain and a rash anywhere on your body - even on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. You may also develop moist, wart-like bumps in or around your sex organs. These are usually flat and have a whitish-grey color. These bumps are known as Condylomata Lata and are very contagious. These symptoms will also go away on their own, but you are still infected.
The third stage of Syphilis begins when the secondary symptoms disappear. You are still infected but there are no specific symptoms. The bacteria remains in your body and begins to damage your internal organs including your brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. This stage can last for months to years.
What happens if I don't get treated?
- You can give your partner Syphilis.
- A mother with Syphilis can give it to her baby during the pregnancy. Babies who are infected with Syphilis and not treated can have mental and growth retardation, glaucoma, and blood diseases.
- Untreated Syphilis can cause heart trouble, brain damage, insanity, tumors, and death. When the damage begins to show up in your body organs you are now in the last stage of Syphilis. It may be in as little as one year after the first sore appeared or many years later.
How can I prevent it?
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs.
Use a new latex condom (rubber) with a water-based lubricant every time you have sex.
Read below for more ways you can protect yourself...
ANSWER:
Abstinence, or avoiding sexual contact, is your best and only 100% certain way of preventing STDs. There is really no way to have a sexual relationship with another person that does not put you at risk for STDs. Ideally you should wait to have sex until you are ready for a permanent relationship with just one person and when they are equally committed to this relationship and to only having sex with you. Even in this situation, there is a risk of STDs if you or your partner has had other sexual relationships prior to this relationship.
If you are having sex now using a latex condom is your first line of defense. Use a new condom every time you have sex. Many teens are embarrassed to buy condoms, but if you are old enough to have sex, you are old enough to act responsibly. Don't let embarrassment prevent you from taking care of yourself and your partner.
Think ahead and always be prepared!
More Ways to Protect Yourself if You are Having Sex Now:
- Have sex only with one partner who is not infected and is only having sex with you.
- Talk with your partner about past sex partners and about any needle drug use.
- Don't have sex with someone who you think might have a STD.
- Before you have sex, look closely at your partner for any signs of STD. If you see anything you are worried about, don't have sex!
- Use a latex condom (rubber) for oral and anal sex. Use an unlubricated condom for oral sex. Males and females should both carry protection.
- In addition to condoms, use birth control foam, cream, or jelly. These kill many STD germs.
- Urinate immediately after sex - this may help remove harmful germs from the urinary tract.
- Avoid using alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgment, making you more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
- Get checked for STDs every time you have a health exam if you have had sex. Remember not all STDs have symptoms!
- Know the symptoms of STDs. If you notice a symptom, go see a doctor.
- If you have a STD, your partner must get treated. Don't have sex until your treatment is complete.
The Teen Resource website is funded through the Georgia Department of Community Health - Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program.