Syphilis

What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that when left untreated can lead to serious long-term health complications.
Syphilis doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms. It’s important to get tested if you think you might have been exposed, even if you feel healthy, because it can cause lasting damage when left untreated.
How is syphilis transmitted?
Syphilis is most commonly spread through direct contact with syphilis sores, which usually appear on the genitals, anus, or mouth. The infection is transmitted during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sharing unwashed sex toys can also increase the risk of transmission.
While using male or female condoms and dental dams reduces the risk, syphilis can still spread through skin-to-skin contact if sores are not covered.
Symptoms of syphilis
The symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of the infection, and they may not always be noticeable.
Early symptoms
These typically develop within a few weeks of exposure and include:
Secondary symptoms
If left untreated, syphilis can progress to cause:
These symptoms can disappear on their own, but the infection remains in the body.
Latent syphilis
Without treatment, syphilis enters a latent stage where there are no visible symptoms. Over time, it can cause severe health complications, including meningitis, dementia, and stroke.

Getting tested for syphilis
If you think you may have syphilis, it’s crucial to get tested as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can prevent long-term health problems and reduce the risk of passing the infection to others.
You can get a syphilis test for free at NHS sexual health clinics, GUM clinics, or some GP surgeries. Testing usually involves:
You may also be offered tests for other STIs during your visit.

How is syphilis treated?
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin. Treatment typically involves one to three injections, although some cases may require a longer course of antibiotic tablets (10–28 days).
It’s important to complete the full course of treatment and follow any advice from your healthcare provider. Partners may also need to be tested and treated to prevent reinfection.
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