The Bottom Line
Syphilis starts as a painless sore but can cause permanent organ damage if ignored.
It is easily detected with a blood test and can be 100% cured with the right antibiotics.
1. The Three Stages of Syphilis
Syphilis progresses in stages, and symptoms change depending on which stage you are in:
Primary Stage: A small, painless sore (called a chancre) appears where the bacteria entered the body (usually the genitals, anus, or mouth). Because it doesn't hurt, many people don't notice it.
Secondary Stage: A skin rash (often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sore throat. This stage is highly contagious.
Latent/Tertiary Stage: The symptoms disappear for years or much faster in case of untreated HIV infection. It is latent but the bacteria stay in the body. If never treated, it can eventually damage internal organs, the brain (neurosyphilis), and the eyes.
2. How It Spreads
Direct Contact: It is spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Mother to Child: An infected mother can pass it to her unborn baby (Congenital Syphilis), which is very dangerous and can lead to stillbirth or serious birth defects.
3. The Good News: It is Curable
Unlike HIV or Hepatitis B, syphilis is a bacterial infection, which means it can be completely cured with antibiotics.
The Treatment: A simple course of penicillin (usually an injection) can kill the bacteria.
4. Prevention
Condoms: When used correctly, they greatly reduce the risk, but the bacteria can still spread through sores located on areas not covered by a condom.
Regular Testing: Because the sores are often painless or hidden, the only way to be sure is a blood test.
Partner Treatment: If you test positive, your sexual partners must be tested and treated as well to stop the cycle of reinfection.