Syphilis

Syphilis is a serious STI caused by bacteria. It can be transmitted by touching an infected person’s blood or sores (especially the sores around the vagina, penis, or anus) and can even be transmitted through kissing (if there is a lesion in the mouth). The first visible symptom will most likely be a sore on the penis. However, if untreated, the infection will spread from the sore into the blood, and then it becomes much more dangerous, causing a reddish rash (that can be anywhere on the body). Other symptoms include fever, swollen lymph glands, and body aches. Finally, if the infection is untreated for a greater time, an infected person may develop problems in the brain, spinal cord, and other organs, which can be extremely serious. It is passed through sex and from infected mothers to their babies during pregnancies.

Syphilis can be treated and cured through use of penicillin shots. It is important to get tested if you experience these symptoms.