Deaf2 - STI: Syphilis

Transcript: Syphilis is a bacterial STI that everyone can get. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of syphilis may include: sores on genitals that do not hurt, for example, on vagina, on penis, or on anus. Painless sores may show up and heal on its own without treatments. At later stages, people may experience rashes on their upper body, hands, or soles. People can also experience flu-like symptoms, but it is not the flu. Some people may not experience symptoms when they have syphilis, which is why it is important to get tested. How do you get syphilis? You can get syphilis through unprotected sex with someone who has it. For example, not using male or female condoms. You can also get syphilis if you kissed someone with sores on the mouth. Is syphilis curable? Syphilis is curable with antibiotics. The most common injection would be on your butt, but your doctor will have to decide on where and how often medication needs to be given. What if I don’t get treated for syphilis? If syphilis is left untreated, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, which may cause nerve, bone, skin, eyes, or brain damage. The infection can become complicated. You can also give the disease to your sexual partner(s) if left untreated. How do I get tested for syphilis? You can get tested through a blood sample, or receive a swab if there are open sores present on or near your vagina, penis, anus, or your mouth.