Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection which is sexually transmitted. It is highly infectious. It can be transmitted through oral, anal and vaginal sex.
Symptoms
If you have syphilis you may not have any symptoms. This is called latent infection.
Some people will develop an ulcer at the site of infection. This can occur in the first 3 months of infection. It is usually painless and heals on it’s own. Sometimes it is very small and you may not notice it. This is called primary syphilis.
Some people will develop a flu-like illness, rash and swollen glands. This is called secondary syphilis. It usually occurs in the first 6 months of infection.
If syphilis is left untreated it can affect the heart, bones and central nervous system.
Testing
If you have an ulcer which could be primary syphilis the doctor or nurse can take a swab to confirm this.
Otherwise, the test for syphilis is a blood test.
This can be done in clinic or you can order an online test kit SH:24 for free.
Syphilis may take 12 weeks from the time of infection to show up on a blood test.
If you have previously been treated for syphilis, some tests for syphilis may remain positive. There are additional tests we can do to see if this is the old infection or a new infection.
If you have symptoms or are worried, you can:
- contact us via phone: 0300 123 5474
- come along to one of our walk-in and wait clinics:
Treatments
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.
Prevention
You can prevent syphilis and other STIs by:
- using condoms. You can request free condoms at our clinics.
- testing each time you change your sexual partner can help reduce the transmission of STIs.
More information
Visit NHS Choices - Syphilis