Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection which may show as ulcers, a rash or small skin growths around genitals.

This page will discuss the signs and symptoms of syphilis, as well as, how you can get tested and treated.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection which may show as ulcers, a rash or small skin growths around genitals. This page will discuss the signs and symptoms of syphilis, as well as, how you can get tested and treated.

Signs and Symptoms

It’s common for adults to not show any obvious symptoms and in some cases not show any at all.

If you do show symptoms, they may include:

Small, painless sores or ulcers that typically appear on the penis, vagina or around the anus. It’s also possible for them to occur in the mouth
A blotchy red rash which may affect the palms of your hands and soles of your feet
Small skin growths which might develop on the vulva or around the bottom
White patches in the mouth
Tiredness, headaches, joint pains, a fever and swollen glands in your neck, groin or armpits

How is it Transmitted?

Syphilis is an STI which means it’s usually spread through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex. This means anything which comes into contact with an infected sore could spread it.

It may also be spread through the sharing of needles – for example those used when taking drugs.

Additionally, pregnant women have a chance to pass on the infection to their baby.

How to Get Tested

The free, easy and discreet way to discover if you have an STI.

Call our Helpline

Speak to a friendly advisor and get the advice and support you need.

You’re not alone.
There are people who care about you and want to help you through this.

Prevention

You can also help prevent the spread of and contracting syphilis by:

Using a condom when you have vaginal or anal sex
Using a condom to cover the penis during oral sex
Avoid sharing sex toys without washing in-between uses
Don’t share needles

Treatment

Syphilis is usually treated very easily with either:

An injection of antibiotics into your thigh or bum – it normally only takes one injection
A course of antibiotic tablets – usually only needed if you can’t have the injection

If left untreated, syphilis can spread and cause some serious health issues. So, it’s important to get tested and treated if you suspect you have an STI.

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FAQs

Syphilis

Clear answers to common questions

Contacting a sexual health service for the first time may be a little daunting, especially if you’re not keen on talking to someone. So, here are answers to some of the questions we get asked a lot.

Is syphilis serious?

Syphilis is usually a minor infection if treated early on. However, if you don’t get treatment for the STI, it can spread to the brain and cause serious health complications.