For gay men, no single aspect of life more directly affects our health than what we do in our sex lives. Avoiding HIV, syphilis, and other STDs must be seen as the cornerstone of every gay man’s health and so discussions of these issues have a central place in these pages. However, the effect that other sexual health-related issues (such as impotence or the effect of general ill health) and their impact on a satisfying sex life also needs to be addressed.
 Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by bacteria called spirochetes. There are three stages of syphilis: during the primary stage, which usually occurs within 10 to 90 days after exposure, a large, painless sore (chancre) may appear at the site of infection. During the second phase, which usually occurs within 17 days to six months after exposure, a rash may appear on various parts of the body. If left untreated, Syphilis can proceed to the latent stage during which there may be no visible symptoms, but irreversible damage to the brain and other internal organs can still be going on.
If you or someone you know thinks that they may have been exposed to syphilis, click here for a list of testing sites.
Desert AIDS Project also conducts free and confidential syphilis testing. Call 760-323-2118 for more information.
How Syphilis is Spread:
Syphilis is transmitted through contact with the fluids from sores of an infected person. It can be transmitted by giving or receiving anal, vaginal or oral sex and by contact of the discharge from syphilis chancres with broken skin, scratches or sores.
Treatment of Syphilis:
During the primary, secondary, and early latent stages of syphilis, a single injection of penicillin generally cures the disease. People who are allergic to penicillin may be given oral antibiotics (such as doxycycline, tetracycline, or erythromycin) for two weeks. Those diagnosed during the latent stage of syphilis will require three injections, each one-week apart.
If syphilis has advanced to neurosyphilis (or brain involvement), treatment with IV penicillin every four hours for ten to fourteen days may be required. An alternative is penicillin injections (once per day) with oral probenecid (four times a day) for ten to fourteen days.
Prevention:
Abstinence is the only 100% effective way of preventing syphilis. However, if you chose to engage in sexual activities and are unsure if you or your partner is possibly infected because sores may be out of sight in the throat or anus, consistent and correct use of latex barriers (condoms) can help reduce the risk of transmission. However, only areas covered by condoms, dams or gloves are protected from infection. Avoid direct or secondary contact with any visible sores or rashes by checking out your sex partner thoroughly with enough light to see possible chancres.
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Picture 1
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Picture 2
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 Symptoms of Syphilis
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1st Stage
(10 days to 3 months):
- Painless, reddish brown sore(s) on the mouth, sex organs, broken skin or inside the anus, mouth or throat (see
picture);
- Swollen lymph glands;
- Rash on palms or bottoms of the feet;
- Sores last one to five weeks, then goes away, but if untreated, you can still transmit Syphilis.
2nd Stage
(10 days to 6 months):
- A generalized rash on the trunk or other body parts (see picture 1, picture 2, picture 3)
- Flu-like feelings
- Rash and flu like feelings go away, but if untreated, you can still transmit Syphilis.
3rd Stage
(1 to 20 years):
- Uncoordinated muscle movements, paralysis and/or numbness;
- Blindness, deafness;
- Dementia;
- At this stage, syphilis is more difficult treat and the damage to many major organ systems may be irreversible, but you will no longer be infectious.
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