Syphilis

Syphilis FAQ

• What is syphilis?

  Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. Syphilis was nearly eradicated in 2000 but since then Long Beach has seen a steady increase. Rates have greatly increased among some groups such as men who have sex with men.
  
  In the past, men who have sex with men was the group primarily infected by syphilis. However, more recent infections have shown that the disease is not impacting other groups including men who have sex with women and women who have sex with men. This is concerning as this has led to a rise in congenital syphilis. Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, syphilis can cause permanent damage to the heart, brain, and other organs. Having syphilis can increase your chances of transmitting or acquiring HIV.

• Who gets syphilis infections?

  Syphilis can be passed during vaginal, anal, oral sex, or skin-to-skin contact with infected areas (open sore). Pregnant people with syphilis can pass it to their unborn child during pregnancy.

• What are the symptoms of syphilis?

  Syphilis is a disease of stages. Each stage is characterized by different symptoms. These symptoms come and go, but unless syphilis is treated and cured, it will remain in the body and can cause serious damage over time. The stages are:

  Primary Syphilis: A painless sore (or sores) called a chancre appears on, around, or inside the penis, vagina, mouth, or anus. The chancre appears 10-90 days after exposure. The sore is full of bacteria and is very infectious. Many people never notice the chancre because it may be inside the vagina or somewhere less visible. Chancres generally last 2-5 weeks and can disappear on their own.

  Secondary Syphilis: A few weeks after the chancres disappear, a rash may appear on the body, hands, and/or soles of your feet.

  Early Latent: Usually no symptoms and less likely to transmit to sex partner. A subcategory of latent syphilis. When the initial infection has occurred within the previous 12 months.
  
  Latent Syphilis: Symptoms usually disappear on their own and the person is less likely to transmit to sex partners. However, the disease is still in the body and can cause serious complications.

   

• What are the complications of syphilis?

  If left untreated, syphilis can affect the heart, brain and other organs. Damage becomes apparent in the final stage of syphilis, known as tertiary or late syphilis. This stage often occurs decades (10 years or more) after infection. Complications can include damage to the skin, bones and internal organs; neural problems including swelling of the brain, blindness, seizures, and insanity; and damage to blood vessels and the heart. These complications can lead to death. A baby born with syphilis can result in stillbirth or birth defects.

• How can syphilis infections be prevented?

  Latex, polyurethane (plastic), and internal condoms offer some protection against syphilis, but may not cover all infectious areas. Infected pregnant person should seek prenatal care early and should be tested for syphilis during the first trimester. If syphilis is detected and treated early, a pregnant person can prevent a stillbirth or birth defects to the baby.

• How do I get tested for syphilis?

  To get tested for syphilis, a blood test is required by a doctor or health clinic.

  Confidential HIV Testing and STI Screening are available through our sexual health clinic (2525 Grand Ave.) Monday through Friday between 8 am to 4:30 pm. Appointments are highly encouraged, to make an appointment or for any questions please contact our Sexual Health Clinic at 562.570.4180.

  For more information about testing, visit Additional Resources and Testing

• How is syphilis treated?

  Syphilis can be easily treated and cured with certain antibiotics (given as an injection or oral pill). Make sure both you and your sex partner(s) complete treatment before having sex again. You should not attempt to diagnose yourself or take medicine on your own.

• What Can A Pregnant Person Do To Prevent Passing Syphilis To Their Baby?

  Syphilis can be passed onto your baby if you do not get treated, this is known as congenital syphilis. Receiving prenatal care throughout your pregnancy drastically reduces the risk of congenital syphilis. If you're pregnant and have syphilis, get treated right away. Learn more about congenital syphilis. 

• Where can I learn more about syphilis infections?

  Learn more about syphilis through: 

  • California Department of Public Health
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources

Syphilis FAQ: English | Spanish | Khmer | Tagalog
What to Know About Syphilis: English

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