### Stages and Symptoms of Syphilis Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that progresses through four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Each stage has distinct symptoms, but they can overlap, and you might not experience them in the same order. #### Primary Stage - **Timeline:** Symptoms appear 10 days to 3 months after exposure. - **Symptoms:** A small, painless sore called a chancre appears where the bacteria entered your body. It may be hidden in the rectum or vagina and often goes unnoticed. The sore heals on its own in 3 to 6 weeks, but the infection remains. #### Secondary Stage - **Timeline:** 2 to 10 weeks after the first sore. - **Symptoms:** Skin rashes, mucous membrane lesions, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms may come and go for up to a year. #### Latent Stage - **Timeline:** Can last for years. - **Symptoms:** No visible symptoms, but the bacteria remain in the body. Not everyone progresses to this stage. #### Tertiary Stage - **Timeline:** 10 to 30 years after initial infection. - **Symptoms:** Severe complications like organ damage and death. Symptoms may include neurological and cardiovascular issues. ### Congenital Syphilis - **Transmission:** From mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth. - **Symptoms in Babies:** Most have no symptoms at birth, but some may develop rashes on their palms and soles. If untreated, it can lead to severe organ damage and even death. ### Importance of Treatment If you suspect you have syphilis or have been exposed to it, seek medical treatment immediately. Early treatment can prevent the disease from progressing to more severe stages and reduce the risk of transmission to others.