Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria called Treponema pallidum . It is spread by direct contact with an infectious moist lesion usually through sexual intercourse. Often people who use I.V. drugs get HIV and syphilis at the same time. Ask your partner if he or she has ever used I.V. drugs or needles to inject steroids. The highest incidence of syphilis is in the 20 to 39 year old group, but you can still get it as a teenager.
Primary syphilis is noticeable on men when the lesion is on the penis or scrotum.
The chancre heals within one to five weeks. However, a blood test for syphilis will remain positive. This is when the bacteria invade the organs of the body. Tertiary syphilis can occur as late as 20 years after the initial infection. When syphilis does go into the symptomatic tertiary stage is becomes a very serious medical condition.