Syphilis
What are the symptoms?
Syphilis is an infection that can spread without either partner knowing. There are three stages to the disease if left untreated:
1 - sores can develop where bacteria entered the body;
2 - sores in the mouth, a copper-coloured rash can develop, warty growths on genitals and a flu-like illness may develop;
3 - if left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint and nervous system damage. It can also cause miscarriages, premature births and stillbirths in women.
How could I get it?
The bacteria causing syphilis are present in blood and sexual fluids. It can be passed on during unprotected sexual contact or activities which allow blood to pass from person to person. It may also be passed from an infected pregnant women to her unborn child.
Can it be treated?
It is easily treated with a course of antibiotics if discovered early enough. As stage 1 syphilis can go undetected, people who feel they may have put themselves at risk should have a reliable blood test at a Genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic.