Syphilis

Late (Tertiary) Syphilis

After the secondary stage, those who haven't been treated progress to a latent stage. People in a latent stage will not manifest symptoms but they are still infected and contagious. Some of them go on to have symptoms of late syphilis, which can appear many years later and cause damage of the eyes, large blood vessels, heart, bones, and central nervous system (called neurosyphilis).

Symptoms of this late stage of syphilis can include memory loss, problems with mental function, walking, balance, bladder control, and vision, in addition to impotence and loss of sensation, particularly in the legs.

Treatment

A doctor can test for syphilis with a physical exam and blood tests and treat it with antibiotics. The doctor also can check for other STDs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV.

Anyone who is sexually active should see a doctor to be screened for syphilis and other STDs. Someone who has had sexual contact with a person who has syphilis, or has any symptom of the illness, should be seen by a doctor for testing and treatment as soon as possible.

Preventing STDs

Because syphilis is an STD, the best way to prevent getting it is to abstain from having sex. Sexual activity with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one sex partner also increases the risk of contracting an STD.

When properly and consistently used, condoms decrease the risk of STDs. Latex condoms provide greater protection than natural-membrane condoms. The female condom, made of polyurethane, is also considered effective against STDs.

Using douche can actually increase a woman's risk of contracting STDs because it can change the natural flora of the vagina and may flush bacteria higher into the genital tract.

Because many STDs often don't have obvious symptoms, people might not know when they're infected, so sexually active teens should get screened regularly for STDs so that they don't lead to other more serious health problems.

A teen who is being treated for syphilis also should be tested for other STDs, and should have time alone with the doctor to openly discuss issues like sexual activity. Not all teens will be comfortable talking with parents about these issues. But it's important to encourage them to talk to a trusted adult who can provide the facts.

Getting Help

If your teen is thinking of becoming sexually active or already has started having sex, it's important to discuss it. Make sure your teen knows how STDs can be spread (during anal, oral, or vaginal sex) and that these infections often don't have symptoms, so a partner might have an STD without knowing it.

It can be difficult to talk about STDs, but just as with any other medical issue, teens need this information to stay safe and healthy. Provide the facts, and let your child know where you stand.

It's also important that all teens have regular full physical exams — which can include screening for STDs. Your teen may want to see a gynecologist or a specialist in adolescent medicine to talk about sexual health issues. Community health organizations and sexual counseling centers in your area also might offer guidance.

Reviewed by: Nicole A. Green, MD
Date reviewed: May 2013