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What are the Symptoms of Syphilis?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Syphilis, a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, goes through four distinct stages, each of which is associated with different symptoms. The earlier the symptoms of syphilis infection are identified, the better the prognosis for the patient, as a timely administration of antibiotics can often clear the disease very successfully. People who are sexually active should receive regular screening for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, so that early intervention can be provided in the event that an infection is acquired.

In the primary or first stage, the patient develops a distinctive sore called a chancre at the site of the infection. The sore is usually firm, raised, and round, and the lymph nodes in the surrounding area are often swollen. Chancres can occur on the genitalia, in the groin, and around the mouth. This classic symptom of syphilis usually clears on its own within a few weeks, but the syphilis itself is not gone. Instead, the bacteria are rapidly multiplying in the body, and when their numbers rise enough, the patient will develop secondary syphilis.

Chancres may develop after a person contracts syphilis.
Chancres may develop after a person contracts syphilis.

Secondary syphilis, which occurs several weeks after infection, can be very severe. The symptoms of syphilis which has reached the secondary stage include a dark red rash, the development of additional sores, hair loss, swelling of the lymph nodes, headaches, loss of appetite, aches and pains, and a fever. When these symptoms resolve, the patient goes into the latent stage of syphilis, in which the bacteria are present in the body, but no symptoms of syphilis are experienced. During the latent stage, the patient is not infectious.

Syphilis during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.
Syphilis during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.

Periodic relapses of syphilis can be experienced during the latent stage, usually associated with the development of sores. Eventually, the patient will develop the final stage of syphilis, known historically as tertiary syphilis. The symptoms of syphilis in the final stage include permanent sores which will not resolve, along with neurological symptoms caused by bacterial attacks on the nervous system. The patient often develops cardiovascular symptoms as well, as a result of the systemic damage caused by the bacteria.

Symptoms of syphilis are the same in men and women. This disease was once fatal, causing a prolonged and unpleasant death as the bacteria ate away at the patient's nervous system. Today, it can be treated with antibiotics if it is caught early, making it critically important to recognize the symptoms of syphilis. If a patient develops a chancre, he or she should go to a doctor and request testing for syphilis.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lori43

@davis22 – It does in fact vary widely. In most cases it takes from one to ten years for tertiary syphilis to develop. However, in some rare cases, it has developed even faster than a year, and in even rarer cases, it has taken up to 50 years!

davis22

Does anyone know how long it takes for tertiary syphilis to develop? Does it vary widely from case to case?

lori43

The neurological symptoms caused by syphilis can be extremely significant. In some patients, those symptoms can resemble serious dementia akin to major psychosis, such as that found in paranoid schizophrenics. For the neurological symptoms to reach that dire level is somewhat rare however. Most neurosyphilis results in sensory loss and headaches. Still though, this stuff is bad news.

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    • Chancres may develop after a person contracts syphilis.
      By: stryjek
      Chancres may develop after a person contracts syphilis.
    • Syphilis during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.
      By: Monkey Business
      Syphilis during pregnancy can increase the risk of stillbirth.