Syphilis - primary

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Male and female reproductive systems

Primary syphilis

Syphilis is one of the more frequently diagnosed and reported sexually transmitted diseases. A chancre is the typical sore of primary syphilis.

Primary syphilis

Syphilis is an infectious disease caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacterium (spirochete), Treponema pallidum. This organism causes infection when it penetrates broken or abraded skin or mucous membranes, usually of the genitals. Transmission occurs most frequently through sexual contact, although other means of transmission are possible.

Syphilis occurs worldwide. In the United States, about 10,000 cases occur annually. The rate of syphilis is higher in urban, rather than rural, areas, and the number of cases is rising most rapidly in men who have sex with men. Young adults, ages 15-25, are the highest-risk population. There is no natural resistance to syphilis.

Because people may be unaware that they are infected with syphilis, many states require tests for syphilis prior to marriage. All pregnant women who receive prenatal care are screened for syphilis to prevent congenital syphilis, which is syphilis infection transmitted from the mother to the newborn.

Syphilis has three commonly recognized stages: primary syphilis, secondary syphilis, and tertiary syphilis. From a medical standpoint, the actual stages are primary, secondary, latent (hidden), benign late, and tertiary. Syphilis can also affect the unborn child of an infected mother (congenital syphilis).

Primary syphilis first shows as a small, painless open sore or ulcer (called a chancre). This ulcer typically appears 2-3 weeks after exposure. The often solitary ulcer that appears on the penis is easily visible. However, ulcers that occur on the labia, cervix, anal area, or in the mouth may go unnoticed because they are painless and not easily visible.

The classic-appearing ulcer or chancre is shallow with sharply defined borders and slightly raised edges. The base of the ulcer is clean and free of debris. It is typically painless and is firm to the touch. However, many syphilitic ulcers are not "classic" or typical-appearing, and any ulcer appearing on the genitalia should be evaluated by a doctor.