What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum. It is highly infectious and can cause very serious health problems.
How do I look / How do I feel if I have syphilis?
The symptoms of syphilis depend on what stage of infection you are in.
The stages are primary, secondary, latent and tertiary.
Primary stage
- You will have a sore or ulcer at the site of infection (penis, vagina, anus or cervix)
- It usually starts as a painless firm/round lump and then turns into an ulcer/sore (around 3 weeks)
- The ulcer/sore lasts between 3 – 6 weeks and will heal with or without treatment
- Without treatment, you move to the secondary stage.
