men & women
Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection that progresses in stages, beginning with a painless sore, and is cured with penicillin injections.
Symptoms
1
A single painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, anus or mouth, appearing about three weeks after exposure
2
Weeks later, a non-itchy rash, classically including the palms and soles
3
Fever, swollen glands, patchy hair loss or mouth ulcers in the second stage
4
Long symptom-free periods between stages
Causes and how it spreads
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum and spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Because the first sore is painless and heals on its own, it is easy to miss, and the infection then continues silently.
How PVT tests for it
Syphilis is diagnosed with a blood test at an accredited pathology laboratory. Blood tests become reliable from around six weeks after exposure. If you have a visible sore, your doctor can also assess and test the sore directly.
Treatment
Syphilis is cured with penicillin injections, with the number of doses depending on the stage. Follow-up blood tests over the following months confirm the infection has responded. Partners are tested and treated, and the earlier treatment starts, the simpler it is.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor about any genital, anal or mouth sore, even a painless one that healed by itself, and about any unexplained rash involving the palms or soles. Test routinely if you have new or multiple partners, since early syphilis is easy to miss and easy to cure.
Related service
Sexual Health Screening
Sexual health screening at PVT is confidential doctor-led testing for sexually transmitted infections, for men and women, with results and treatment handled privately.
Questions about
Syphilis
The sore went away by itself. Am I fine?
No. The first-stage sore always heals on its own within a few weeks, but the bacteria remain in the body and the infection moves to its next stage. A healed sore is a reason to test, not reassurance.
How is syphilis treated?
With penicillin injections given by your doctor. Early syphilis usually needs a single injection; later stages need a short weekly course. Follow-up blood tests confirm the treatment has worked.
How long after exposure does a syphilis test become accurate?
Blood tests are generally reliable from about six weeks after exposure, and testing is often repeated at three months to be certain. If you have a sore now, testing can happen immediately.
Is syphilis still common?
Yes, and it has been rising worldwide over the past decade. It remains completely curable with penicillin, which is why testing anyone at risk matters so much.