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Syphilis

What is it?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection and can be spread without either partner knowing. If left untreated it can over time lead to heart disease and brain damage. It used to be more commonly known as ‘the pox’.

In 1996 there were 162 cases of syphilis in Britain – there were 2,766 in 2006 – a 1607% increase!

Symptoms
Syphilis has three stages:

• Primary stage symptoms – painless sores can develop where bacteria has entered the body.
• Secondary stage symptoms – a rash can develop along with warty growths on the genitals often with a flu-like illness.

• Latent stage symptoms – if left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart, joint, brain and nervous system damage.

How do people get it?
Syphilis can be passed on during the primary or secondary stages through:

• Oral, vaginal or anal sex.
• Skin contact with any sores or rashes.

• From a mother to unborn child.

It is not usually infectious when there are no symptoms.

Want to see it? Very disturbing!!! – click button for photo in new window

How is it diagnosed and treated?
Blood samples will be taken and swabs from sores may be taken to check it is not herpes. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, either as an injection or tablets.

If syphilis is suspected, you should not have oral, vaginal or anal sex and anyone you have sexual contact with, should not have contact with any sores or rashes you may have until your treatment is finished.

After treatment, you will be asked to attend the clinic at regular intervals for blood tests.

If you can, you should let anyone that you have had sexual contact with in the last 3 – 6 months know that they may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and that they need to be checked out and possibly tested. Staff at the clinic will offer you as much support as you need to do this.

In pregnancy, syphilis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and can be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb. However, the baby can be easily treated with antibiotics after birth.

What if it is not treated?
If left untreated, over time syphilis can lead to heart disease and brain damage.

Where to get help
If you think you may have syphilis, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment – contact details below. It’s easy and completely confidential. If you live in a different area, contact your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 – they will give you the details of your nearest GUM clinic.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/th/article/thrush
NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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