The number of syphilis cases in Bavaria has recently increased-from 1,455 registered cases in 2023 to 1,512 cases in 2024. The Bavarian Ministry of Health had announced this. But what about the sexually transmitted disease? The most important questions and answers at a glance.
What is syphilis and how is it transmitted?
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Syphilis is a disease caused by bacteria. The disease is widespread worldwide, highly contagious and easily transferable. The pathogens can affect skin and mucous membranes- and are also in the blood. Stefan Zippel is head of the psychosocial advice center at the clinic and polyclinic for dermatology, allergology and venereal diseases (external link) at the LMU Clinic in Munich. People who have infected themselves during sex with venereal diseases (STI) come into the outpatient clinic and advice – including with syphilis.
“The syphilis is mostly shown by an ulcer in the mucous membranes of the penis, the vulva or in the oral mucosa. This enables every sexual practice to lead to a transmission,” says Stefan Zippel. The pathogen could also be passed on during the kiss of tongues. In the event of pregnancy, the pathogen can also be transferred to the unborn child. Especially with several and changing sexual contacts, you should be careful and protect yourself.
What symptoms are connected to syphilis?
Syphilis runs in several stages and the first signs can occur after about three weeks after infection. Small ulcers, stains or nodules form on the areas where the pathogens have penetrated. The lymph nodes can also swell. Stefan Zippel advises you to see a doctor to have the symptoms clarified. “Unfortunately, many do not notice this ulcer because it doesn’t hurt,” he says.
In the second phases that occur after about two months, rashes and symptoms such as fever, head and joint pain can occur. If the third phase occurs after years, the organs and the brain will affect, which can lead to death.
How can you protect yourself from syphilis?
According to Zippel, condoms are best protected – not 100 %, but they can prevent syphilis and other transferable venereal diseases. In addition, you should examine yourself and your body carefully and search for small ulcers: “Please take a look at your genital area if you had sexual contacts,” advises Zippel. He also recommends that he have regularly (at least once a year) to be examined for sexually transmitted infections – especially with several and changing sexual contacts.
How is syphilis diagnosed?
The doctor takes cut back from the affected people and the blood is examined.
What are the treatment options for syphilis?
There is no vaccination against syphilis, but the infection can be treated and cured very well with antibiotics. The earlier the disease is recognized, the better it could be treated – and fewer people can be infected, explains Zippel. In some cases, syphilis can also heal by itself.
Who is most at risk of getting syphilis?
“The largest group that is infected in Germany with syphilis are certainly men who have sex with men,” says Stefan Zippel. The reason: many would do without condoms because it is now possible to protect themselves from a HIV infection using medication.
Nevertheless, the risk generally increases with changing sexual contacts. In Bavaria, syphilis cases have increased continuously in recent years.
