Syphilis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is Syphilis Disease?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can affect anyone, regardless of gender. It is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and usually spreads through unprotected sex. Since its symptoms aren’t always obvious, regular testing and early treatment are important to prevent serious complications, such as damage to your heart, brain, eyes, bones and other organs.

How it Spreads and Why it Matters

Syphilis is caused by a bacterial infection, and it spreads mainly through sexual contact with someone who has the infection. It can also pass from a pregnant woman to her baby. It is important to watch out for syphilis because it is a serious condition. If you don’t get it treated, it can cause problems with your heart, brain and other parts of your body. It can also spread to others, so getting tested and treated early is the best way to protect both yourself and the people around you. To ensure that you do not go through financial troubles in the way of getting treated for Syphilis, remember to be covered by health insurance.

Recognising the Stages and Symptoms

Syphilis progresses in distinct stages, each with its own set of symptoms. It spreads most easily during the first two stages.

1. Primary Syphilis

Timeframe: -3 weeks after exposure ( range: 10 to 90 days)

Key Symptoms:

• Painless sore (chancre) at the site of infections (genitals, anus, mouth)

• Single or multiple sores

• Sores heal without treatment in 3-6 weeks, but the infection persists

2. Secondary Syphilis:

Timeframe: -6 weeks to 6 months after initial infection

Key Symptoms:

• Skin rashes, often on palms and soles (non-itchy)

• Mucous membrane lesions (mouth, vagina, anus)

• Fever, swollen lymph nodes

• Fatigue, sore throat, weight loss, patchy hair loss

• Symptoms can resolve on their own but recur or progress without treatment

3. Latent Syphilis

Timeframe: Begins when symptoms of secondary stage resolve

Key Features:

• No symptoms

• Still detectable by blood test

• Can last for years

• Divided into – Early latent (<1 year) and Late latent (>1 year)

4. Late (Tertiary) Syphilis:

Timeframe: Can occur 10-30 years after initial infection. Occurs in 15 to 30% of untreated cases.

Key Symptoms:

• Brain damage (memory loss, confusion, dementia)

• Heart problems

• Trouble with movement or coordination

• Nerve damage

• Seizures

• Vision problems or blindness

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice any sores or a rash on your genitals or mouth, it is important to see a doctor. They can check if you have syphilis and help you get treatment if needed. Catching it early makes a big difference in preventing serious health problems later on.

Long-Term Health Risks Without Treatment

If syphilis isn’t treated, it can cause serious, lasting damage to your body. It increases the risk of HIV and can lead to severe problems during pregnancy. While antibiotics can stop the infection from getting worse, they can’t reverse the damage that has already happened.

Potential complications of untreated syphilis include:

• Gummas (soft tissue lesions in skin, bone, organs)

• Cardiovascular syphilis (e.g. aortic aneurysm)

• Neurosyphilis or ocular syphilis

◦ Headache, difficulty coordinating muscle movements

◦ Vision or hearing loss

◦ Memory loss or confusion (like dementia)

◦ Paralysis

• Pregnancy risks: A pregnant woman can pass syphilis to her baby, increasing the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or the baby dying shortly after birth.

Risk During Pregnancy and Impact on Newborns

If syphilis isn’t treated, it can pass to your baby during pregnancy or childbirth. This can be serious, as up to 40% of babies born to untreated mothers die from the infection. This is called congenital syphilis.

Possible risks include:

• Premature birth

• Miscarriage

• Low birth weight

• Problems with the umbilical cord

• Stillbirth

• Death within the first month of life

Getting tested and treated early, ideally before 26 weeks, can reduce complications and increase the chances of having a healthy baby. In the spirit of being safe when it comes to your baby, it would be a wise choice to opt for maternity health insurance.

Conclusion

Syphilis can be a serious condition, especially if it is not treated early. If you notice any syphilis symptoms, make sure you see a doctor at the earliest so you can get treated before it causes long-term health problems. Syphilis can also affect pregnant women, and sometimes they may not even know that they are infected. That is why it is a good idea to get tested if you are expecting a baby. It is also wise to have health insurance in place for financial support and peace of mind during medical emergencies.

Sources: mayoclinic, my.clevelandclinic, cdc.gov, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, who.int

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Related Articles

Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Everything You Need to Know About Gonorrhoea

Understanding Symptoms of Chlamydia

Reasons Behind Chlamydia Infection

Trichomoniasis Infection: Causes & Symptoms

Published on July 28, 2025