Signs and Symptoms (Infected persons may NOT recognize symptoms, but can still transmit disease)*
- Painless ulcer (open sores), that goes away.
- Later, rash on hands and feet and flu-like symptoms that go away.
Transmission*
- By contact with an infected skin lesion (sore) during sexual activity.
- If mother is infected, infection can pass via the placenta to the developing fetus.
Condom Effectiveness**(assuming consistent condom use)
Due to limitations in studies, no assessment can be made about how much protection condom use offers.
Quote from National Institute for Health Summary
Due to these limitations, the panel found that no rigorous assessment of the degree in the risk of syphilis transmission offered by correct and consistent condom use could be made
Long Term Effects*
- If untreated, can destroy major blood vessels, skin, bone and brain
- Infected infant can have deformities, brain damage, or death
Viral or Bacterial
Bacterial (curable with antibiotics)
*Adapted from SAGE Advice Council, Inc.
**NIH Scientific Evidence on Condom Effectiveness for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Prevention June 2000
Testing is recommended for anyone who is sexually active or who has had sexual contact with another person outside of a mutually monogamous relationship. Seek STD testing from your local physician, nurse practitioner, health-care provider, or health clinic. |
