Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection which may initially affect the genitals, the skin and the mucous membranes, but complications could result to the spreading of the infection to vital parts of the body, such as the brain or the heart.  Cases of transmission of syphilis are highest in young adults.  There is a steady rate of cases in women, and an increase in cases with men who have sexual intercourse with other men.

Transmission of the bacteria that causes syphilis begins as soon as the bacterium penetrates the body through cuts, rashes or lesions in the skin or mucous membranes of an individual.  The most common way of transmission is through direct contact with an infected sore during sexual intercourse.  It is therefore recommended for sexual partners to consider the use of condoms before sexual contact.  Latex condoms are durable and can withstand against wear and tear.  Durex condoms are electronically tested to ensure safety during intercourse.  Other means of transmission of the disease are possible through blood transfusion, through direct contact with an infected lesion, and by transmission to an unborn child from an infected mother.

Symptoms of infection from syphilis come in four phases.  In the first phase, which usually occurs within ten days to three months of exposure, an infected person may notice a small sore, called a chancre, in the affected part: the genitals, the rectum, the tongue or the lips.  Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area is also experienced.  In the second phase, which happens anywhere between two to ten weeks after the chancre appears, the infected person may notice rashes with sores on any part of the body; he may experience fever, fatigue and discomfort, a general sore feeling in the body, and a vague aching sensation.  The third phase is called the latent phase, wherein the infected person does not manifest any symptoms.  There are two possibilities with this phase: the symptoms may disappear altogether, or it they may progress on towards the last phase.

The fourth and usually fatal phase may occur years after an infection: the bacterium spreads to other parts of the body, leading to subsequent organ failure, and ultimately to death.  The infected person may suffer complications such as a stroke attack, meningitis, poor muscle coordination, dementia, numbness and paralysis, personality changes, deafness and blindness.  Apart from neurological complications, the person may obtain an aneurysm of the aorta and other major blood vessels.

Since the cause of the disease is bacteria, it may be eradicated with an early treatment of penicillin or other antibiotics.  This process kills the bacteria altogether and stops the progression of the disease.  Infected conceiving women and unborn babies must be treated with antibiotics in separate postnatal sessions immediately.

Prevention of the transmission of the disease includes abstinence or faithful sexual relations with an uninfected partner.  It is also highly encouraged that if sexual contact is unavoidable, condoms should be used before sexual intercourse (latex condoms are best). 

 Durex condoms greatly decrease the risk of contraction of the disease altogether.  It is also advisable for a person to stay away from excessive use of alcohol and drug abuse, as these practices impair judgment and cause unsafe sexual practices.  If a person suspects an infection, it is advisable that consultation with a doctor be scheduled immediately.