Download Syphilis Updated

Syphilis
Since 1999, Syphilis has significantly increased in the UK and is now a major
challenge for public health.
How is Syphilis passed on?
Syphilis is passed on through:
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Unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex
Sharing sex toys if you don’t wash them or cover them with a new condom
each time they are used
Direct skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the sores or a rash
From mother to baby during childbirth
Symptoms
This infection develops in 3 stages. In all three stages there may be no symptoms.
Stages 1 and 2 are very infectious.
First stage symptoms
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Sores, usually painless, will appear where the bacteria entered the body. In
women, sores are found mainly on the vulva, the clitoris, cervix, anus and
the urethra. In men, sores appear around the opening of the urethra, on
the penis and foreskin, and around the anus.
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The sores in the first stage are very infectious and may take 2-6 weeks to
heal. By this time, the bacteria will have spread to other areas of the body
Second stage symptoms
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A painless, non-itchy rash might appear that can spread all over the body
or appear in patches, often on the palms of the hands and soles of the
feet
Flat, warty-looking growths on the vulva in women and around the anus
in both men and women
A flu-like illness
White snail-like tracks on the tongue or roof of the mouth
Patchy hair loss
Third/latent stage symptoms
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After many years there may be damage to the heart, brain, eyes, other
internal organs, bones and nervous system, though this is rare in the UK
Getting tested
Testing for Syphilis is done through blood tests and by taking swabs from
sores during an examination. People attending a sexual health clinic/GUM
are routinely offered Syphilis tests. Pregnant mothers are also routinely
tested for Syphilis as there are risks to a child born with an infected mother.
Where to get tested
Sexual Health Clinics
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Manchester Centre for Sexual Health - 0161 276 5200
North Manchester General - 0161 918 4263
Withington Community Hospital - 0161 217 4939
Young People
• Brook (under 19s) - 0161 237 3001
Lesbian, gay and bisexual
• Lesbian and Gay Foundation (LGF) – 0845 3 30 30 30
Treatment
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The first and second stages are treated using a single antibiotic injection, or a course of antibiotic injections or tablets
Treatment for the first and second stages is very effective and as long as it is taken correctly, the infection will be completely cured
The third stage of the infection can still be treated, but any damage
already done to your body will be permanent. Left untreated, Syphilis can result in death but that would be a very rare occurrence in the UK these days
Prevention
To protect yourself and partners against Syphilis:
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Use a condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex
Use a dental dam or latex barrier for oral sex with a woman
If you share sex toys, use a new condom or wash them before anyone
else uses them
For more information about sexually transmitted infections go to: www.nhs.uk
This fact sheet has been produced by the Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Team.
© Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust. September 2013.