What happens if syphilis isn’t treated?
Without treatment, syphilis can lead to severe illness and even death. Having syphilis also increases your risk of getting or giving HIV, the disease that causes AIDS. The open sores caused by syphilis make it easier for HIV to spread through sexual contact. If you have syphilis, you are thought to be 2 to 5 times more likely to get HIV if exposed. Untreated syphilis also can cause problems during pregnancy.
