SYPHILIS
![depi_syphilis Syphilis, screening, STI, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/depi_syphilis.jpg)
![bulles_2_transmission_pdr Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bul_trans_en.png)
Transmission modes
- by sexual contact (vaginal, oral and/or anal)
- by direct contact with the lesions (chancres and red patches)
- during pregnancy (from mother to child).
![bulles_symp_depi_Depi symptoms, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bul_symp_en.png)
Symptoms
Stage 1. Symptoms usually appear between 3 and 90 days after infection: a painless ulcer (called a chancre) on the genitals, the anus, in the mouth, sometimes even on the skin. The chancre disappears by itself after 3 to 6 weeks, but you are still a carrier and therefore a contaminant for others !
Stage 2. Symptoms occur 7-10 weeks after infection: fever, fatigue and skin problems with a rash (red patches) on the back, stomach, hands and feet. Stage 2 can also occur at the same time as stage 1 as years later. The pimples disappear by themselves but you are still a carrier and therefore a contaminant for others !
Stage 3. Without treatment, syphilis can go on for years without symptoms (up to 30 years!). At this stage, it causes serious complications.
![bulles_2_conse_pdr treatment, causes, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bul_conse_en.png)
Consequences if undetected and untreated
![bulles_depi_pdr Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bul_screen_en.png)
Screening
- via a blood test and a clinical examination performed by a doctor
- via a quick test
Your partners should also be screened and treated!
![bulles_traitement_pdr treatment, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infection, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bul_treat_en.png)
Treatment
The third stage of syphilis remains more difficult to treat.
There is nothing to stop syphilis from coming back once treated and cured!
![bulles_protection_pdr protection, Contraception, prevention, protect, STI, screening, STD, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe sex](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/bul_protect_en.png)
Protection
- use sterile injection equipment
- avoid contact with blood (tattooing - single use needle and ink pot, piercing - single use or sterilised needle) and contact with skin rashes
- use a condom (internal or external) and a square of latex
Symptoms of syphilis may never appear or may disappear after you have been infected, so protect yourself and your partners after you have taken a risk!
Condoms reduce the risk of exposure but do not offer complete protection as syphilis can be transmitted through sexual touching and oral sex.
A person who has sex with a syphilis chancre is at greater risk of getting HIV or another STI.
![Recommandation](https://depistage.be/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Recommandation.png)