What is syphilis?

• Caused by an organism called a Spirochete.
• Transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sexual intercourse.
• It can also be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy.

How would you know you have syphilis?

Syphilis occurs in 4 different stages :

Stage 1

• Painless red, wet sores (usually ulcers) appear on the :
  • Vagina.
  • Rectum.
  • Penis.
  • Mouth.
• These sores are called primary chancre and will disappear after a few weeks.
• Swollen lymph glands may also appear at the same time.
• A person who has been exposed may or may not notice the chancre until 3 days to 3 months later.

Stage 3

• If not treated early, the person will have latent (hidden) syphilis which has no symptoms. This can last for many years.
• However it can be detected by doing the appropriate blood tests.

Stage 4

• If still not treated, they can develop tertiary syphilis.
• The spirochetes have spread to the whole body and can affect the :
  • Brain.
  • Heart.
  • Spinal cord.
  • Bones.

Some of the symptoms are :

• Difficulty in walking.
• Numbness.
• Gradual blindness.
• Death

What are the complications of syphilis?

• Syphilis is very dangerous if left untreated.
• Brain damage and other serious health problems once developed are no longer treatable.
• A pregnant woman can spread the infection to her newborn, causing major birth defects.

How is syphilis treated?

• Your doctor can make a diagnosis by examination and blood test.
• Early stages of syphilis can be easily treated with antibiotics.
• Patients with chronic disease need longer periods of treatment.
• Unfortunately, damage to the body from late stages of syphilis cannot be treated.

How is it prevented?

• The best way is to avoid sex.

• If you are below 16 years old, having sex is illegal unless you are married.
  • The Malaysian law states that consensual sex with girls below 16 years old will lead to the male being charged with statutory rape.
• If you are sexually active, practice safe sex.
  • Be loyal to one partner. Avoid multiple partners.
  • Use condoms. However condoms are not 100% effective in preventing syphilis but are able to reduce the risk of transmission.
  • Avoid taking alcohol or drugs that can impair your judgement.