e-prevention and risk reduction in festive environments. Know more, risk less

Syphilis

Syphilis is an infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

It has been making a strong comeback in the gay community for several years.

Transmission

Easily transmissible. During unprotected oral or anal sex, by simple contact of the skin or mucous membrane with the lesions, most often located in the sex, anus and mouth regions.

Know more, risk less

What are the symptoms?
2 to 4 weeks after contamination, the appearance of a chancre (pinkish, hollow and painless sore) where the bacteria entered your body: sex, anus, in the mouth or throat (syphilis I). This highly contagious lesion can go unnoticed, especially if it is located at the back of the throat or anus. Caution: if the chancre disappears without treatment, Lady Syphilis hasn’t gone away!
The infection can progress a few weeks later (syphilis II) and manifest itself in pimples or pinkish spots (roseola) on the chest, palms, soles of the feet, mucous membranes and cause fever. But sometimes there are no apparent symptoms…

If untreated, it can develop into syphilis III, which can cause serious damage to the brain, heart or joints.

Can this be treated?
Very well if diagnosed in stages I and II, by an injection of antibiotic in the buttock (left or right, as desired!).

Where and when to consult?
Regularly – especially if you have many partners – and quickly in case of a chancres-type lesion or a roseola-type skin rash. Syphilis screening is done by blood test. You can consult with your doctor, go to a specialized health center or a CIDDIST1.

How to prevent syphilis with oral sex?
During the contagious period (chancre, pimples/stains on the body) and during treatment, avoid blowjobs. If you are not infected or if you don’t know, the condom is the best protection against the spread of syphilis.

1 Center for Information, Screening and Diagnosis of STIs (Centre d’information, de dépistage et de diagnostic des infections sexuellement transmissibles)

In partnership with
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
• In any case call or have somebody call 112 or 15 (in France)
• if the person is conscious :
- keep him/her awake by talking to her.
• if the person is uncounscious : undo his/her tight clothes, check if he/she’s breathing and put him/her in recovery position
• stay with him/her until emergency services arrive and inquire about the location of a defibrillator