Understanding Syphilis - the Basics

What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis (pronounced siff-eh-lis) is a bacterial infection causing a serious sexually transmitted disease that progresses in stages. The disease is curable and progression is preventable if syphilis is caught early and treated. But if it isn't treated, it can cause serious damage to the cardiovascular system and brain and can cause blindness.

Syphilis is often called "the great imitator" because its signs and symptoms are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.

The genital ulcers of early syphilis can increase the risk of HIV transmission. The disease can also be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus.

What Causes Syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Treponema pallidum, which can enter the body through minor cuts or abrasions in the skin or through mucous membranes, most often during sex.

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with an infected ulcer. These ulcers occur most frequently on the external genitals, vagina, anus or in the rectum. Occasionally, the sores also occur on the lips and in the mouth.

Thus, syphilis is transmitted during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Pregnant women can pass the disease onto the babies they are carrying.

Syphilis cannot be spread from toilet seats, pools, hot tubs, sharing clothing or eating utensils.

Can My Baby Get Syphilis From Me?

It's possible. Depending on how long a pregnant woman been infected, she has a good chance of having a stillbirth or giving birth to a baby who dies shortly after birth. Treatment of syphilis is imperative as quickly as possible once a woman suspects an infection, because even if the baby is born without symptoms, they could appear a few weeks after birth. Untreated babies may become developmentally delayed, have seizures, or die.