Syphilis

Syphilis is divided into three distinct phases. The first phase includes painless sores that last for 3-6 weeks and that appear generally on the genitals, vagina, cervix, lips, mouth, or anus. This is the only stage of syphilis in which someone is contagious. If someone is not treated during the primary phase, they can move into the secondary phase, which occurs 3-6 weeks after the sores appear. It includes flu like symptoms and rashes on the hands and soles of the feet. These symptoms can appear sporadically for up to two years. If syphilis is not treated during this phase, it can move into latent and then late phase syphilis, which can cause neurological damage and sometimes death. If detected, syphilis is easily treated with antibiotics. Syphilis is spread through contact with a syphilis sore during kissing or vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Condoms provide limited protection from this STI. A blood test is usually necessary to diagnose Syphilis.