What happens when syphilis is left untreated?

Worst Case Scenario: If left untreated, chlamydia can cause an increased risk of contracting HIV, urethritis and/or infertility in men, Pelvic Inflammatory ... read more

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If left untreated, syphilis can eventually cause damage to the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. In extreme cases it can cause difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, mental illness, and even death. read more

Most people with untreated syphilis do not develop tertiary syphilis. However, when it does happen it can affect many different organ systems. These include the heart and blood vessels, and the brain and nervous system. Tertiary syphilis is very serious and would occur 10–30 years after your infection began. read more