SYPHILIS

Syphilis is a chronic bacterial disease that can come from intercourse or contact with a sore.

HOW COMMON IS IT

• It is more common than HIV
• It is most prevalent in the USA
• Most common among gay and bisexual men

Syphilis is contracted by making contact with a genital chancre sore that passes the disease. Once you've contracted the disease there are three stages.

FIRST STAGE SYMPTOMS

• Chancre sores on genitals
• They are painless and can be hard to detect

SECOND STAGE SYMPTOMS

• Rashes
• On hands and mouth usually
• However the sores can be widespread

THIRD STAGE SYMPTOMS

• The latent stage
• Hardest to detect at this point
• You can have difficult muscle movement, paralysis, numbness, blindness, and dementia.
• Usually happens after 12+ months, but can invade your nervous system at any point

Syphilis is treatable and curable, but you can always get it again. It is treated with Penicillin. It can cause permanent damage, which is more likely the longer you have it. It can also be passed down through pregnancy from mother to child.

The best ways to prevent syphilis is by abstaining or being monogamous. Using condoms and good judgment is also recommended.