Syphilis is spread through unprotected sex. Use protection and get tested.
Call the WECHU at 519-258-2146 [1] ext. 1420 for more information.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria (germs), called Treponema pallidum.
Syphilis mostly spreads through contact with a contagious sore or rash during unprotected oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex. A person can spread the infection without knowing it.
Mothers may also pass it to their newborn baby during pregnancy. It rarely spreads through sharing of needles and injection equipment or blood transfusions.
Syphilis goes through four stages, if left untreated. Each stage may have different symptoms.
Stage |
Symptoms |
---|---|
Primary |
Usually appears 3 to 90 days after the germs enter your body
|
Secondary |
Usually appears 2 to 12 weeks after the germs enter your body
|
Latent
|
|
Tertiary |
Can take 1 to 46 years before the effects of the infection are seen.
|
Neurosyphilis is infection that has spread to the brain and/or spinal cord. This can occur during the secondary, latent, and tertiary stages of syphilis. Symptoms include:
A health care provider will do blood tests to test for syphilis. If needed, the health care provider may also arrange to test the fluid from the spine in the lower back to see if the infection has spread to your brain and spinal cord.
If you have symptoms, see a health care provider as soon as possible.
You can be re-infected with syphilis after treatment. Ways to prevent infection include:
If you have concerns about your sexual health, speak with your doctor or health care provider for support and treatment. To find a doctor in Windsor and Essex County, visit our Find a Doctor [2] section.
To learn more about the WECHU’s sexual health [3] services, please call the Infectious Disease Prevention Department at 519-258-2146 x 1420.
Links
[1] tel:5192582146
[2] https://www.wechu.org/your-health/find-doctor
[3] https://www.wechu.org/classes-and-clinics/clinics/sexual-health
[4] https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/diseases-conditions/guidelines-sti-recommendations-chlamydia-trachomatis-neisseria-gonorrhoeae-syphilis-2019.html
[5] http://www.sexualhealthontario.ca/
[6] https://www.sexandu.ca/
[7] https://www.wechu.org/reports/summary-syphilis-windsor-and-essex-county
[8] https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/sexual-health-sexually-transmitted-infections/canadian-guidelines.html
[9] https://www.wechu.org/tags/syphilis
[10] https://www.wechu.org/tags/infectious-disease-prevention
[11] https://www.wechu.org/tags/infection-control
© Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, 2022. All Rights Reserved.
1005 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J8 - 519-258-2146