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 do you get syphilis?
Syphilis causes one or more small painless sores that develop on the skin, usually around the genitals. Encountering one of these sores puts you at risk of infection. Syphilis can be spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can also catch it by sharing sex toys.
Using male and female condoms and dental dams can help lower the risk of transmission. However, because syphilis is spread by skin-to-skin contact, condoms and dental dams will only offer protection if they cover the area affected by sores.
Symptoms
The symptoms of syphilis are not always easy to recognise, which means it’s possible to pass on the infection without knowing it.
There are two early symptoms that can develop within a few weeks of infection:
- One or more small painless sores, usually found around the genitals or anus but also on the mouth, fingers or buttocks
- Swollen glands in the neck, armpits, or groin
If these early symptoms pass and you remain untreated you might experience secondary symptoms:
- Blotchy red rash (often found on the palms or the soles of the feet)
- Skin growths around the vulva or anus
- White patches in the mouth
- Headaches, joint pain, tiredness, and fever (similar to the flu)
These symptoms can pass after a few weeks or come and go for several months. After these disappear you remain infected with “latent syphilis”, which can go on to cause serious problems such as meningitis, dementia, and stroke.
Tests
To get a free test for syphilis you should visit a GUM or sexual health clinic. The test usually involves a physical examination, blood test and swab of any sores. You might also receive a test for other STIs at the same time.
Treatment
Once you’ve been diagnosed with syphilis you can receive treatment with antibiotics. Usually, you’ll receive one to three injections of penicillin, or alternatively a course of antibiotic tablets lasting 10-28 days.
If you're concerned about your sexual health you can make an appointment with one of our clinicians.
Content reviewed by Jemma Shafier, a Doctor Care Anywhere GP