Syphilis

SYPHILIS IS HERE

  • You can have syphilis and not know it! Many people do not notice any symptoms. However, even with no symptoms, if left untreated syphilis can cause serious health problems.
  • Syphilis cases are increasing in Thunder Bay and across the district!
  • Get Tested! Testing is available through your primary health care provider, the TBDHU Sexual Health Clinic, or local walk-in clinics. 
    • For more information on our Sexual Health Clinic hours and services, visit TBDHU.com/sexualhealthclinic or call (807) 625-5976 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630.

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, called Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex and can also be transmitted from infected parent to baby during pregnancy or birth. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.

How Common is Syphilis?

Syphilis is on the rise across Canada. North Western Ontario has the highest rates of syphilis in the province. Over the last few years, TBDHU has seen a substantial increase in syphilis cases.

How is Syphilis Spread?

Syphilis is spread through:

  • Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
  • Sharing sex toys
  • Skin contact with a syphilis sore or rash
  • Parent to child during pregnancy and/or birth

How Do You Prevent Syphilis Infections?

Condoms can help prevent the spread of syphilis during anal or vaginal sex, and condoms or dental dams can be used for protection during oral sex.

Getting tested regularly can help to prevent the spread of syphilis within the community.

FREE condoms and dental dams are available at all TBDHU offices. No questions asked, no appointment required; just come in and get what you need during regular office hours. 

What are the Symptoms of Syphilis?

You may not notice that you have any symptoms of syphilis or you may have some symptoms but not others. You can still pass syphilis to someone else, even if you show no symptoms.

If left untreated, syphilis can move through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each of which have different symptoms. As a person progresses from stage to stage, the symptoms of syphilis may go away on their own, but this does not mean that the infection is gone.

[ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Primary syphilis (3 days - 3 months after exposure) [/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Symptoms of primary syphilis can include:

  • swollen glands in the groin or neck
  • a sore that's firm, round and painless

The sore occurs where syphilis entered the body, which can be:

  • on the lips
  • in the mouth or throat
  • in the genital or anal area

Since a sore may not be visible and is usually painless, many people with syphilis do not recall having had one. This sore will heal on its own without treatment, usually in 3-6 weeks, but this does not mean that the syphilis infection is gone or that the person is no longer infectious.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Secondary syphilis (6 weeks - 6 months after exposure)[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

A person may develop a range of symptoms in the secondary stage, most commonly:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Patchy hair loss
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Rashes (particularly on the palms of hands and soles of feet)
  • Fever
  • Swollen glands
  • A general feeling of being unwell
  • Weight loss
  • Flat, smooth warts in the genital area
  • Headaches
  • Eye infection
  • Meningitis

These symptoms will typically disappear on their own, but this does not mean that the person is no longer infected or that they can no longer transmit the infection to others.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Latent syphilis (divided as < 1 year and > 1 year)[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

A person generally has no symptoms during the latent phase, but for the first year after infection, lesions or rashes of primary or secondary syphilis can recur and the infection can be passed to others.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM][ACCORDION_ITEM] [ACCORDION_TITLE]Tertiary syphilis (2 - 30 years or more)[/ACCORDION_TITLE] [ACCORDION_CONTENT]

Tertiary syphilis occurs in 40% of untreated infected persons. This stage is very destructive. It is the stage at which the long-term damage caused by syphilis bacteria results in various major health complications, affecting the brain, heart, bones, or blood vessels. In some cases, these complications can lead to death.

[/ACCORDION_CONTENT] [/ACCORDION_ITEM]

How is Syphilis Diagnosed?

Syphilis is often diagnosed by a blood test. If a sore is present there are tests available to determine if it is syphilis or not. Syphilis is NOT diagnosed through a urine test like some other STIs.

What About Pregnant People and Syphilis?

Syphilis can be transmitted from pregnant parent to baby, so it is important to get tested throughout your pregnancy. Syphilis is treatable in pregnant people. If left untreated, baby could have long term health complications. If you have questions about syphilis and pregnancy, talk to your health care provider.

Sources:

This page provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a health care professional about any health concerns.

For Further Information

Call the Sexual Health Clinic at (807) 625-5976

or toll-free: 1-888-294-6630.

Health Topic
Diseases & Infections
Sex & Sexuality