Syphilis remains one of the more prevalent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can cause, in later stages, damage to the muscles, brain and other major internal organs. It is caused by the bacterium, Trepodema Pallidum, and is a very dangerous illness. It is particularly dangerous for pregnant women as it can cause stillbirth or death within a few days to a newborn. Syphilis also raises the risk level for contracting HIV. Those who have syphilis sores are two to five times more likely to contract HIV from an infected partner.

Syphilis has three distinct stages, the first of which can go unnoticed by those affected. Primary infection can occur anywhere between 10 days to three months after contraction of the illness. The first indication of syphilis is a single sore called a chancre. The sore is usually painless, and may heal without treatment, and thus never be noticed. Occasionally, the primary stage will cause multiple sores, which is good, in a way, as it may get people to see a doctor more immediately.

Secondary stage syphilis occurs after the chancre has healed. It is characterized by a rash that does not itch. The rash may be present on the palms, soles of the feet, and is red to reddish brown in color. Those affected by syphilis may also experience muscle aches, fever, swollen glands, sore throat, weight loss, headaches and/or a feeling of general fatigue. Again these symptoms can resolve without treatment, however, should one suspect exposure to syphilis, these symptoms warrant quickly seeing a doctor, who can diagnose the illness through a simple blood test. In the primary stage, the diagnosis may also be made through blood test or by analyzing the chancre.

Early diagnosis is key, since one wants to prevent the late stage of syphilis, which manifests after the secondary stage symptoms have ended. Late stage syphilis can cause terrible deterioration of the muscles, organs and brain. It can cause dementia, blindness, or paralysis. The disease may take many years to progress to this point, but advanced syphilis may cause irreversible damage to the body. Further damage can be avoided by treating syphilis.

If one is diagnosed within a year of having contracted syphilis, the treatment is a single shot of penicillin, an antibiotic. Other antibiotics may be used in case of penicillin allergy. Past a year, the shot of antibiotics will be followed with a course of oral antibiotics for several weeks. This effectively cures the illness, but it does not prevent one from contracting the illness again.

Recent studies show that contraction of syphilis is on the rise, particularly in the male population. This is alarming because it suggests that those engaging in sex are not using safe sex practices, which tend to keep one from contracting the illness. The best defense against the illness is to avoid casual sex, and not to engage in sex with a partner who has not been tested for STDs. Long-term monogamous relationships or abstention from sex in the absence of such, are the best ways to avoid contracting STDs.

Even in long-term exclusive sexual relationships, protection should still be used, in the form of a male or female condom, which can help one avoid contact with skin cells that may harbor STDS. Any type of sexual contact can result in contraction of syphilis. Many young people believe that safety lies in oral sex or mutual masturbatory activities. This is not true. People can contract syphilis from oral sex practices as well as from standard intercourse.