Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), which means it spreads through unprotected sex. It is caused by bacteria, and often gives you few or no symptoms. 

This means getting tested is really important even if you have no symptoms. Syphilis can cause major long-term health problems if it’s not treated so the sooner you know about it the better. 

The symptoms of syphilis are often mild. If you do get them, it can take 3 weeks or more for them to appear after you're infected. Symptoms may include:

  • sores (ulcers) on your penis, vagina, or around your bottom (anus), usually painless
  • sores on other parts of your body including your mouth or lips
  • white patches in your mouth
  • warty growths that are white or grey and may appear on your penis, vagina or around your bottom
  • a rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet that may spread all over your body 
  • flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, headaches and tiredness
  • swollen glands
  • patches of hair loss on your head, in your beard and eyebrows

You might find some of these symptoms tough to talk about. If you come to us for support, we will never judge you, and we will keep what you tell us in total confidence. Our only priority is for you to feel better.

Symptoms change and may come and go. If they go away but you have not been treated it does not mean you are cured. The infection is still in your body and you can pass it on to a sexual partner. 

The most common way to get syphilis is through unprotected sex with someone who's infected. This means having vaginal, anal or oral sex without a condom. You can also catch it by sharing sex toys without washing them and covering them with a new condom first. 

There are other ways syphilis can spread, but they’re less common. These include injecting drugs with a needle used by someone who has syphilis. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby. (This is called congenital syphilis).

Getting a test is the only way to know for sure if you have syphilis.

If you have symptoms or think you might have been infected go straight to a sexual health clinic for a free and confidential test. To book this you can call us on 0800 328 3383 or find a sexual health clinic near you.

A doctor or nurse will check your penis, vagina and bottom for syphilis sores. If you have sores they may take a sample from them. This will be quick and should not be painful, though you might find it a little awkward or uncomfortable. We will do all we can to make you feel safe and relaxed. 

Your body will be checked for any other signs of syphilis such as a rash or wart-like growths. You may well be asked to give a blood sample, too.

If you do not have symptoms and just want to check, you can use a self-test kit at home and send it to a lab to be tested. Order a free STI screening kit. 

If you are under 16, you will need to come to clinic even if you do not have symptoms. This is just so we can make sure we give you the best possible support. 

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, which may be tablets or jabs. The treatment length will vary, based on what stage your syphilis is at. You may need to go back to the clinic after starting treatment to be tested again.

Some people find treatment gives them flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, headache and aching muscles. This should only last for up to 24 hours.

If you have syphilis your current partner and any recent sexual partners will also need to be tested. This is so important because syphilis often has no symptoms but can be very serious if it is untreated. 

If you feel anxious about telling your partner or previous partners we can contact them by text for you without giving your name. You can also call us, on 0800 328 3383, for details of this service if you're being treated elsewhere. 

You will not be able to have sex of any kind (vaginal, oral or anal) until you and your partner have finished treatment and tests have shown that the treatment has worked.

Untreated syphilis can cause serious health problems, which may crop up years after you’re infected. These include heart conditions such as angina, brain problems like fits (seizures), and nerve issues. 

We know this sounds scary, but it is unusual for syphilis to reach this stage. With early testing and treatment, you should be able to avoid complications. 

If you're pregnant and have syphilis you can pass it to your unborn baby. It can also increase your risk of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth.

Try not to worry because during pregnancy you'll be offered a routine blood test for syphilis so that it can be treated before it causes any problems for you and your baby.