SYPHILIS IS HERE
- You can have syphilis and not know it! Many people do not notice any symptoms. However, even with no symptoms, if left untreated syphilis can cause serious health problems.
- Syphilis cases are increasing in Thunder Bay & District!
- Get Tested! Testing is available through your primary health care provider, the TBDHU Sexual Health Clinic, or local walk-in clinics. Call (807) 625-5976 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630 or visit www.TBDHU.com/sexualhealthclinic for information on services available and clinic hours.
What Is Syphilis?
Syphilis is a treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by bacteria, called Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted through vaginal, anal or oral sex and can also be transmitted from infected parent to baby during pregnancy or birth. If left untreated, it can cause serious health problems.
How Common is Syphilis?
Syphilis is on the rise across Canada. North Western Ontario has the highest rates of syphilis in the province. Over the last few years, TBDHU has seen a substantial increase in syphilis cases.
How is Syphilis Spread?
Syphilis is spread through :
- Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
- Sharing sex toys
- Skin contact with a syphilis sore or rash
- Parent to child during pregnancy and/or birth
How do you Prevent Syphilis Infections?
Condoms can help prevent the spread of syphilis during anal or vaginal sex, and condoms or dental dams can be used for protection during oral sex.
Getting tested regularly can help to prevent the spread of syphilis within the community.
What are the Symptoms of Syphilis?
You may not notice that you have any symptoms of syphilis or you may have some symptoms but not others. You can still pass syphilis to someone else, even if you show no symptoms.
If left untreated, syphilis can move through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, each of which have different symptoms. As a person progresses from stage to stage, the symptoms of syphilis may go away on their own, but this does not mean that the infection is gone.
How is Syphilis Diagnosed?
Syphilis is often diagnosed by a blood test. If a sore is present there are tests available to determine if it is syphilis or not. Syphilis is NOT diagnosed through a urine test like some other STIs.
What about pregnant people and Syphilis?
Syphilis can be transmitted from pregnant parent to baby so it is important to get tested throughout your pregnancy. Syphilis is treatable in pregnant people. If left untreated, baby could have long term health complications. If you have questions about syphilis and pregnancy, talk to your health care provider.
Sources:
- Enhanced Epidemiological Summary - Infectious Syphilis and Early Congenital Syphilis in Ontario: Focus on 2022 | Public Health Ontario
- Syphilis | Public Health Ontario
- Syphilis: Symptoms and treatment | Public Health Agency of Canada
- Syphilis (sexandu.ca) | The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada
- Syphilis: What it is / How you prevent it / If you think you have it | Sexual Health Ontario
This page provides basic information only. It must not take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always talk to a health care professional about any health concerns.
For Further Information
Call the Sexual Health Program: (807) 625-5976 or toll-free 1-888-294-6630.