Key points at a glance
🦠 Easily transmitted
Syphilis is caused by bacteria and can be passed on even if there are no symptoms.
🧪 Get tested early
A blood test can detect syphilis and enable early treatment.
💊 Easily treatable
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin.
🛡️ Reduce risk
Condoms can reduce the risk. If you have a frequent change of sexual partners, it is advisable to get tested regularly.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection and is easily transmitted. It is also known as „lues“ or ‘hard chancre’. If syphilis is detected early, it can now be effectively treated with antibiotics. However, without prompt treatment, the infection can cause serious damage to one’s health.
Syphilis: Symptoms and Progression
Syphilis can take many different forms. The symptoms are not always clear-cut. As a result, the infection is sometimes overlooked or mistaken for other conditions.
1. early stage: primary effect
Initially, a small ulcer often develops at the site where the bacteria have entered the body. This can be, for example, on the penis, in the vagina, in the anal area or in the mouth. The lymph nodes may also swell. These symptoms usually clear up on their own.
2nd secondary stage: rash & spots
About two months later, fever, headaches and joint pain may occur. These are often accompanied by a rash and a coating on the tongue. These symptoms, too, may subside on their own. After that, syphilis often goes unnoticed for a long time.
3. late stage: final stage
Without treatment, the infection can progress to a third stage after several years. Ulcers may then form all over the body. Organs and the nervous system may also be damaged. Possible consequences include numbness, blindness or mental decline. Thanks to today’s treatment options, this now happens only very rarely.
Syphilis: How it is transmitted
Syphilis is easily transmitted. The bacteria are mainly found in areas where the skin or mucous membranes have been altered by the infection and fluid is oozing out. They can also be present in the blood.
The pathogens enter the body through tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. This can happen, for example, in the mouth, the anal area, on the penis or in the vagina.
Syphilis is particularly commonly transmitted through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. Infection is also possible through oral sex. Among drug users, sharing needles can significantly increase the risk of transmission.
Pregnant women can pass syphilis on to their unborn child.
Even if there are no noticeable symptoms, syphilis can still be passed on.
Preventing syphilis
You cannot completely rule out the risk of syphilis during sex. However, condoms can reduce this risk. You should avoid contact with weeping skin lesions wherever possible.
When sharing sex toys, a fresh condom should be put on the toy for each new person. The toys should then be thoroughly cleaned.
If you have a frequently changing partner, it is advisable to have a syphilis test once a year. This allows an infection to be detected and treated at an early stage. It also helps to prevent the spread of syphilis.
Diagnosing syphilis: How the test is carried out
If syphilis is suspected, a blood test is carried out to confirm the infection.
If syphilis is diagnosed, the GP’s surgery or laboratory will report the case to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The RKI monitors the spread of infectious diseases in Germany. Your name will not be included in the report.
Treating syphilis
Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics. Penicillin is usually used. The medicine is injected into a muscle. In severe cases, treatment may also be administered via a drip.
If syphilis is diagnosed in the first two stages, treatment usually lasts two to three weeks. Treatment is still possible at a later stage, but it generally takes longer.
You should avoid having sex until the treatment is complete. If possible, let your sexual partners know that there is a risk of infection. They should also get tested for syphilis.
Syphilis in people with HIV
In people with HIV, syphilis can progress more rapidly. Furthermore, the infection is more likely to recur. This can happen even if medication for syphilis has already been taken.
Doxy-PEP and Doxy-PrEP
Doxycycline is also being considered for the prevention of certain sexually transmitted infections. Depending on the form in which it is taken, this is referred to as Doxy-PEP or Doxy-PrEP. Some people at high risk of infection are already using this form of prophylaxis.
For some people, doxycycline can reduce the risk of syphilis and chlamydia. However, it does not offer protection against gonorrhoea in Europe. This is because the bacteria have developed resistance to the antibiotic. If you are considering Doxy-PEP or Doxy-PrEP, you should find out as much as you can and seek medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
How is syphilis transmitted?
Syphilis is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. The bacteria can enter the body through tiny breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Sharing needles when taking drugs can also pose a risk.
What symptoms can syphilis cause?
Initially, a small ulcer may develop. Later on, symptoms may include fever, headache, joint pain, a skin rash and a coating on the tongue. The symptoms may disappear, even though the infection persists.
How is syphilis diagnosed?
If syphilis is suspected, a blood test is carried out. If the infection is confirmed, this is reported to the Robert Koch Institute. The patient’s name is not disclosed.
How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. If the infection is detected early, treatment usually lasts two to three weeks. In later stages, treatment may take longer.
How can I protect myself against syphilis?
Condoms can reduce the risk, but cannot eliminate it entirely. If you have multiple sexual partners, it is advisable to have a syphilis test once a year.
