Syphilis
Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is possible to contract it more than once in your life, but fortunately, there are effective treatments available.
How is it transmitted?
Syphilis causes lesions, and it is through these lesions that transmission takes place during oral, anal, or vaginal sexual activity, nonpenetrative genital contact, via sharing sex toys, or through direct contact (skin to skin) with lesions. Syphilis can also be transmitted through blood when sharing equipment for preparing or injecting drugs. There is also a risk of transmission during pregnancy and childbirth.
What are the symptoms?
There are often no symptoms.
Syphilis has been nicknamed “the great imitator” because its symptoms are often confused with those of other diseases. A person can therefore be infected without knowing it.
If syphilis is left untreated, it can progress through several stages with different symptoms.
Primary syphilis
About 10 to 90 days after being exposed to Treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis, a small, painless sore called a chancre appears at the site of infection. Infection usually occurs on the anus, rectum, genitals, tongue, or lips. The chancre usually disappears within 3 to 6 weeks without treatment. However, when left untreated, the infection progresses to secondary syphilis.
Secondary syphilis
This stage begins a few weeks to a few months after the chancre disappears. Symptoms include a rash that first appears on the torso and spreads to the rest of the body. Other symptoms may include fever, headaches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, a sore throat, and patches of hair loss. Just like primary syphilis, these symptoms eventually go away without treatment, but the infection remains in the body.
Latent syphilis
At this stage, there are usually no symptoms, but the person is still infected. This stage can last for years. Latent syphilis can be “early” (less than a year after infection) or “late” (over a year after infection).
Tertiary syphilis
About 15 to 30 percent of people who are not treated for syphilis will develop complications from tertiary syphilis. This can occur years or decades after infection. Complications can affect many organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, liver, bones, joints, and blood vessels. These problems can be serious and can even lead to death.
Is it treatable?
Yes! To treat syphilis, antibiotics are administered, most often by injection. Generally, a single treatment is sufficient, but several treatments may be necessary.
The treatment is fully covered by RAMQ for the infected person and their partners.
Is it preventable?
In addition to safer sex practices, new emerging prophylactic treatments containing a known antibiotic are now prescribed for certain patients considered to be high risk.
According to clinical studies, these treatments may reduce the risk of syphilis infection by up to 70%. They are not without risks or side effects, which is why it is important to consult a healthcare professional if you believe that these treatments may be right for you. Speak to our pharmacists if you have any questions or go see your doctor to get a prescription.
The information on this website is presented for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subjects covered or to replace the advice of a healthcare professional. This information does not constitute medical consultations, diagnoses, or opinions, and should therefore not be interpreted as such. Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your medical condition, medications, or treatment.
