What should you know about organism that causes syphilis?

The early sore can be painless and may be inside the mouth, genital area, or anus, where it is not easily noticed. Later symptoms can include a rash, swollen glands, fever, tiredness, or patchy hair loss, and they can settle without the infection being gone. Syphilis can then continue without obvious symptoms and may damage health over time. Symptoms do not diagnose syphilis on their own; blood testing and, in some situations, a sample from a sore are used to assess it.

Arrange sexual health testing if you have a new sore or rash, a sexual partner has syphilis, or you think you may have been exposed. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, allergies, previous test results, and recent partners. Syphilis is treated with prescription antibiotics selected for the stage of infection and individual circumstances. Avoid sexual contact until the treating clinician says it is appropriate to resume, and support partner notification so they can be assessed.

Seek prompt medical advice for a genital, anal, or mouth sore; an unexplained rash after sexual contact; eye pain or changes in vision; hearing changes; severe headache; weakness; or confusion. Pregnancy with possible exposure requires urgent contact with maternity or sexual health services because timely assessment protects both parent and baby. Emergency symptoms such as sudden weakness, confusion, or loss of vision need emergency care.

Ask which tests are being done, when results and repeat tests are needed, what treatment is recommended, how partners should be informed, and when sexual contact can resume. Ask whether testing for other sexually transmitted infections is appropriate for your situation.