syphilis - a sexually transmitted infection

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Symptoms may go away without treatment, but the disease will progress. It is usually spread when an infected person has anal, vaginal or oral sex without a condom. Babies born to mothers infected with syphilis may have serious health problems.How do I know if I have it? The only way to be sure is by having a blood test. An early symptom is usually a small painless sore. The sore can be in the mouth, vagina, anus or on the penis. You may not notice it. This sore may disappear on its own.Other symptoms may also appear, most commonly a rash. The rash often shows up on the palm of your hand, soles of your feet or the genital area.