Syphilis
Syphilis can be hard to spot and is very easily transmitted through unprotected sex. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems in men and women.
How it’s caught
Syphilis is most commonly spread through unprotected vaginal, anal and oral sex. Syphilis can also make HIV easier to pass on and catch. Syphilis spreads best by contact between moist skin areas anywhere on or in the body.
Symptoms
Many people will show no signs of an early syphilis infection. There are three stages of syphilis, the first stage, the second stage and the third stage. The first stage symptoms of syphilis include small, painless sore or ulcer. This will appear on the part of your body where the infection was/is transmitted.
Testing
Syphilis is tested using a blood test. You may also get an examination if you have a sore or ulcer present.
Treatment
Early syphilis infections (stage one/two) can be easily treated with antibiotics. Late stage (stage three) syphilis is harder to treat and can cause serious health problems.
