STI Tutorial & Quiz
15
Syphilis
Syphilis is a very complicated STI. It was quite rare, but now it’s getting more common.
Syphilis is caused by a bacterium, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea. The bacterium is passed on through vaginal, anal and oral sex.
Syphilis has 3 stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
The single symptom of primary syphilis is an ulcer, which is like a blister, on the genitals or on the lip. The important thing about this ulcer is that it does not hurt. This ulcer will heal by itself, but this does NOT mean syphilis has gone away…
After the ulcer comes secondary syphilis. Symptoms include feeling tired and generally ill, getting a rash on your hands or feet, and developing more ulcers on the genitals. Eventually, these symptoms will also go away, but syphilis is STILL there…
The tertiary stage of syphilis is very serious. It damages your heart, brain and nerves, and can kill you.
