WHAT IS IT?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You can get it from having sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with someone who has syphilis. It can be cured with the right medicine.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
A sore on or around your penis, vagina, mouth or anus. You may see it one week to three months after sex with someone who has syphilis. The sore does not hurt. Many people don't see or feel it at all.
The sore goes away by itself in a few weeks. But you are not cured. A few months later, you may get a rash, fever, sore throat, or hair loss. These problems will also go away. But syphilis stays in your body until you get treated.
IF NOT TREATED
Syphilis is a serious disease. It can cause heart and brain damage, blindness and even death. If you are pregnant, your baby can be born dead or with birth defects.
HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE IT
Go to a clinic or a doctor right away to get tested. A blood test will check for syphilis.
If you have syphilis, you will be given medicine at the clinic. Tell your sex partner(s) that they may have syphilis and need to get checked. Don't have sex until both you and your partner(s) are cured.
PROTECT YOURSELF!
If you have sex, using a latex condom (rubber) is the best way to protect yourself from STDs. Limit your number of sex partners. The more people you have sex with, the greater your chance of getting an STD. If you have sex with more than one partner, get an STD exam every 6 months.
For more information and clinic locations
Call the National STD/HIV InfoLine
1-800-342-AIDS
Indiana State Department of Health
Adapted from the Los Angeles County STD Program
