Learn More. Prevent Congenital Syphilis
Understanding congenital syphilis is the first step to protecting your health and your baby’s future.
What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. While it’s most often spread through sexual contact, it can also be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Syphilis moves through four stages—primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary—with each stage having its own symptoms and risks. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious complications, affecting your brain, heart, nervous system, and other organs.
What Is Congenital Syphilis?
Congenital syphilis happens when a pregnant mother passes syphilis to her unborn baby. This can lead to serious health issues for the baby, like stillbirth, premature birth, or developmental delays. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing these risks.
The Stages of Syphilis
Stage1
Primary Stage
During the primary stage, a small painless sore called a chancre appears on the genitals, mouth, or anus. This stage usually lasts about 21 days and may go unnoticed.
Symptoms
- Single, painless sore at the site of infection (genitals, mouth, rectum)
- Swollen lymph nodes near the sore
Stage2
Secondary Stage
The secondary stage usually begins 1–6 months after the chancre heals. During this stage, a non-itchy rash may appear on your body, along with other symptoms that may come and go.
Symptoms
- Skin rash (especially on the palms and soles)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
- Patchy hair loss
- Mucous membrane lesions (in mouth or genitals)
Stage3
Latent (Hidden) Stage
In the latent stage, syphilis is present in the body without visible symptoms. This phase can last for years, with the infection detectable only through blood tests.
Symptoms
- No visible symptoms, but the bacteria remain active
Stage4
Tertiary Stage
If left untreated, syphilis can progress to the tertiary stage, which can occur many years after primary infection. This stage is marked by severe complications such as damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, and other organs.
Symptoms
- Gummas (soft, tumor-like growths on skin or organs)
- Neurological problems (e.g., dementia, paralysis, sensory issues)
- Cardiovascular complications (damage to the heart and major blood vessels)
- Blindness or hearing loss (in severe cases)
What Happens to Babies with Congenital Syphilis?
Congenital syphilis can result in serious health
complications for your baby, including bone deformities,
severe anemia, and jaundice. In some cases. it can even
lead to stillbirth or death shortly after birth. Babies born
with congenital syphilis may also experience
developmental delays and other long-term health issues.
Why Testing and Treatment Are Crucial
Early detection and treatment of syphilis are important to stop the infection from getting worse and causing complications.
Testing for syphilis is simple—it can be done with a blood test or by swabbing any visible sores. If you’re diagnosed, syphilis is easy to treat with antibiotics, usually through an injection. Just make sure to finish the full course of treatment as your doctor prescribes to ensure the infection is completely cleared from your body.
Get Talking
Talk to your doctor about your concerns and options. Need to find a local care provider? We can help!
Get Testing
Testing for syphilis is quick, affordable, easy — and the right thing to do for you and your baby. Find a certified testing location.
Get Treated
Syphilis is treatable. If you test positive for syphilis, connect with us for confidential, zero-judgment care and treatment options.
Best Testing Schedule for Peace of Mind
Whether you are pregnant or not, prioritizing your sexual health is crucial for overall well-being. Don't wait until symptoms appear – get tested as soon as possible for peace of mind and to protect yourself and your partner(s).
If you're pregnant, the best times to get tested are:
- At your Prenatal Exam
- After 28 Weeks, During your 3rd Trimester
- During your Delivery
How Can You Help Prevent Syphilis?
-
- Practice safe sex.
Use condoms correctly during all sexual activities to reduce
the risk of transmission.
-
- Get regular screenings.
Routine testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including
syphilis, is important, especially for individuals with multiple
partners or those at higher risk.
-
- Avoid sharing needles:
If you are using intravenous drugs, always use sterile needles and
avoid sharing with others.
-
- Communicate with your partner
Have open discussions about sexual health and STI testing with
partners.
-
- Follow prenatal care guidelines.
Pregnant women should get tested early in pregnancy to prevent
congenital syphilis.
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- Get treated promptly.
If diagnosed with syphilis, seek treatment immediately to avoid
spreading the infection and to protect long-term health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is syphilis 100% curable?
Yes, syphilis is 100% curable with proper treatment. However, it is important to note that any damage caused by the infection before treatment cannot be reversed. That’s why it is crucial to seek treatment as soon as possible.
What happens if congenital syphilis goes untreated?
If congenital syphilis is left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications for the baby. This can include developmental delays, bone deformities, and organ damage. In some cases, it may even result in stillbirth or death shortly after birth.
Can you live a normal life after being treated for syphilis?
Yes, with proper treatment and follow-up care, most people can live a normal life after being treated for syphilis. However, keep in mind that the earlier the infection is detected and treated, the less likely it is to cause long-term health complications.
Does syphilis stay in your blood forever?
No, syphilis does not stay in your blood forever. With proper treatment, the infection can be completely cured and will no longer be present in the body. However, if left untreated, syphilis can progress to later stages and cause long-term damage.
Have More Questions? Reach Out.
If you have any questions or concerns about syphilis and its effects, please do not
hesitate to reach out!