Sexually Transmitted Infections

SYPHILIS

What is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection.

What are the symptoms?

Once infected with syphilis a person may develop a painless, usually single ulcer on the genital skin. However frequently the ulcer will occur in a place where it cannot be seen, for example the mouth, rectum or vagina. The ulcer will heal over a number of weeks without treatment, but the syphilis will still be active and may go on to cause enlargement of lymph nodes, a rash, ulceration within the mouth and many other symptoms. Years later the syphilis infection may cause severe health problems. (See below.)
However many people with syphilis have no symptoms when they are first infected, so having a test is the only way to find out if you have the infection.

How is syphilis transmitted?

  • Syphilis is passed from one person to another during sex. Close genital contact and oral sex also allow transmission of the infection.
  • There has been a dramatic increase in the number of cases of syphilis in the UK in recent years.
  • Most cases of syphilis in the UK occur in men who have sex with men.
  • Syphilis is more common in both men and women in areas such as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Far East than it is in the UK. If you have had sexual contact with a person from any of these countries you may wish to be tested for syphilis.

What problems can syphilis cause?

  • If syphilis is untreated eventually the heart, brain, eyes, bone , skin and many other parts of the body become affected.
  • Pregnant women are tested for syphilis at the ante-natal clinic as infection in pregnancy can have severe consequences for the baby.

Who should be tested for Syphilis?

  • If you are a contact of syphilis you should be tested for the infection.
  • Men who have sex with men should consider having regular tests for syphilis if they have more than one sexual partner.
  • If you have had sex with someone from any of the areas mentioned above you may wish to have a test for syphilis.
  • Anyone who develops genital ulcers should be tested for syphilis.
  • Anyone attending Genitourinary Medicine will be offered a test for syphilis.
  • All pregnant women are tested for syphilis at their first ante-natal appointment.

What does the test for syphilis involve?

Patients who have a genital ulcer will have a swab taken from the ulcer.
They will also have a blood sample taken, as will patients with no symptoms.

Where can I go to have the test taken?

The best place to be tested for Syphilis is the Genitourinary Medicine clinic. However your GP could also test you for this infection if you asked for it specifically.

How is Syphilis treated?

  • Syphilis is normally treated with an antibiotic, which is given by injection.
  • It is important that you receive the full course of treatment before having sex and that any partners are also tested and treated if required.
  • Following completion of treatment you will be seen in the clinic on several further occasions to have your blood checked to ensure that the syphilis has been completely treated.

FOR MORE INFORMATON ABOUT SYPHILIS PLEASE CONTACT THE HEALTH ADVISORS AT GUM NINEWELLS ON 01382 632 600.