TellSyphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial STI that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. It is more commonly diagnosed in men who have sex with men in New Zealand.
Symptoms
- Primary stage: painless sore (chancre) at the infection site
- Secondary stage: rash, flu-like illness, swollen glands
- Latent stage: no symptoms but still infectious in early latent phase
- Many cases are detected through blood tests before symptoms appear
How it spreads
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Skin-to-skin contact with syphilis sores or rashes
- Mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis)
Testing
Blood test. Further tests may be needed depending on symptoms and stage.
Treatment
Treated with penicillin injections. Sexual health specialist follow-up is important. All sexual contacts need assessment and treatment.
What to do next
Get tested at your GP, sexual health clinic, or Family Planning. Testing is often free at public sexual health services.
Retest in 3 months if you have ongoing risk. Avoid unprotected sex until 7 days after you and your partners have started treatment.