What happens if Syphylis isn't treated?

In this section

Untreated syphilis infection can spread to other parts of the body causing damage and long-term health problems either manifesting as secondary or late stage disease which can be fatal.  Babies born to mothers with Syphylis in pregnancy are at risk of miscarriage, developmental delay, seizures, stillbirth and neonatal death and thus all pregnant women in the UK are currently offered screening for Syphlis  at their booking visit.

Genital sores (chancres) caused by syphilis make it easier to transmit and acquire HIV infection sexually. There is an estimated 2- to 5-fold increased risk of acquiring HIV if exposed to that infection when syphilis is present.  Men who have sex with men are therefore particularly at risk of co-infection with HIV.

In late stage disease there is damage the internal organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints causing difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia and even death. 

In this guide