Syphilis is a sexually transmitted diseased caused by a spirochete, Treponema Palladium, can infect almost any tissue or organ. It is transmitted from open lesions during any sexual contact -- vaginal, anal, or oral. Syphilis takes from 10 to 90 days for symptoms to appear. It often occurs with with one or more other STD, such as HIV/AIDS or Chlamydia infection. Pregnant women can infect their fetus - causing eye damage, dental and bone deformities, blindness, brain damage, and death.

Syphilis has three distinct stages:

• Primary Stage- 2 to 12 weeks - A painless open chancre sore on genitals, mouth, or rectum is highly infectious.
• Secondary Stage- 8 to 30 weeks - A skin rash, flu-like symptoms, sore throat, and swollen glands surface.
• Latent Period- The time when there are no symptoms.
• Tertiary Stage- Cardiovascular, neurological, and skin changes.

Treatment prescribed by your doctor may be Penicillin G, Doxycycline, or Erythromycin.