Syphilis Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is currently on the rise in Canada. In the 1990’s syphilis was very uncommon in Canada but over the years more and more cases have been reported. If syphilis is detected early on, it is very treatable; unfortunately, when not treated, syphilis can progress until it starts infecting a person’s organs, which can result in death. In developing countries where the treatment is not as readily available, syphilis is extremely problematic. Am I at risk for getting Syphilis? Syphilis can be passed from one sex partner to another through the following ways: • Performing oral sex on your partner’s vulva, penis or anus • Receiving oral sex from your partner • Having vaginal sex • Having anal sex • Occasionally through deep kissing, although this is not common *Syphilis can only be spread through sexual contact. It cannot be spread through casual contact or through dry kissing, hugging, massaging or through objects such as toilet seats. How can I avoid getting Syphilis? If you are sexually active and engaging in any of the listed risk activities, you are at risk for contracting syphilis; however, there are ways to reduce the risk. You can……. • Talk about safer sex with your sex partners • Use a condom every time you have anal or vaginal sex • Use a condom every time you perform oral sex on your partner’s penis • Use a dental dam (made out of a condom or purchased separately) every time you perform oral sex on your partner’s vulva or anus • Get tested every 3-6 months so that if you do contract syphilis, you and your partner can be treated before any complications occur How do I know if I have Syphilis? You cannot know for sure whether or not you have syphilis unless you get tested for it. Symptoms of syphilis come and go fairly quickly, leading people to believe that they are cured. As well, the symptoms also resemble other conditions, making it more difficult to attribute them to syphilis. People can have syphilis for many years and have no symptoms at all but the syphilis is still infecting their body. The symptoms of syphilis do not differ for men and women and they occur in stages: Stage 1: A painless open sore called a chancre will appear on an infected person around the point of entry (body part where sex took place). If you have oral sex, the chancre may appear on your mouth (if you gave oral sex) or on your vulva, penis or anus (if you received oral sex). This sore can appear 10-90 days after becoming infected Stage 2: After the first stage is over, the chancre will disappear. This second stage usually occurs approximately 3 months after becoming infected. You may experience a rash on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet and sometimes all over your body. You may also experience flu-like symptoms. Stage 3: This latent stage of syphilis does not have any symptoms and can last from 1-30 years. Occasionally a person may experience symptoms from the second stage and will continue afterwards, to experience no symptoms. Even though this stage is characterized by a lack of symptoms, the syphilis continues to infect the body. Stage 4: This stage is known as tertiary syphilis and during this time, the syphilis can cause serious damage to the heart, lungs, brain and other organs in the body. If enough damage is done to the body, it can result in brain damage or death. How can I get a test for Syphilis? You can get tested for syphilis at your doctor’s office, walk-in clinic or sexual health centre. There are sexual health clinics located throughout Canada. The Canadian Federation for Sexual Health has several members that provide both testing and treatment. The services provided are confidential and youth friendly. To find a member close to you: http://cfsh.ca/ppfc/find.asp How is the test for Syphilis done? Testing for syphilis is the same for both men and women. If an open sore is present, a swab of the sore may be taken and tested. If no sore is present, a blood test is done. How is Syphilis Treated? Unlike chlamydia and gonorrhea, the treatment for syphilis requires penicillin injections, which are administered in both hips simultaneously. Depending on how much the syphilis has progressed, you may require multiple treatments. What Happens if I get Syphilis and don’t get treated? If syphilis is not treated, it can lead to serious complications, including eventual organ damage, brain damage and in rare cases death. Syphilis can also be passed from mother to baby during delivery, which can result in serious medical complications and sometimes death. Syphilis can also be transmitted to a foetus during pregnancy.