Syphilis is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) caused by a bacteria.  It can be passed on during sex and by direct skin contact with someone with a rash or sores from syphilis.  It can also be passed on from a mother to her baby in pregnancy and at delivery. You cannot get syphilis from kissing, hugging, sharing towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or from sharing cups or cutlery.

Many people have no symptoms of syphilis and don’t know they have it.  Syphilis develops in three stages. If you do have symptoms, you might see the following stages.

First stage syphilis: 

You may notice a sore or sores (ulcers) on your genitals or mouth (if you have had oral sex).

Second stage syphilis

Symptoms of second stage syphilis may include:

• swollen glands
• genital lumps on the vulva and or anus, these are not genital warts but may look similar
• a rash on the body which is often on the palms of hands and soles of feet
• loss of hair
• feeling like you have flu, for example, tiredness, not hungry, achy
• sometimes, problems with your eyes, hearing or brain.

Third stage syphilis:

If syphilis is not treated for many years, it can cause serious damage to the brain, nervous system, heart and eyes.  It is important to get tested and treated for syphilis, so that it doesn’t progress to this stage.

The nurse or doctors will have a look at you to see if you have any signs of syphilis. If you have any sores (ulcers), they may take a swab of it to test for syphilis.

Everyone will be offered a blood test for syphilis.  This will show syphilis even if you don’t have symptoms. The blood test can take 3 months to show positive after sex.

You can use the service finder below to find a testing service near you.

Syphilis can be treated at any stage.  It is treated with injections or tablets.  Your nurse or doctor will discuss what options are best for you.  Sometimes, people can have flu-like symptoms after taking the treatment, this usually only lasts for a day.

Yes. It is important people you have had sex with get tested and treated.  They may not know they have syphilis.  If they don’t get checked and you have sex with them again, you may get it back.  Your nurse or doctor will help you work out which partners to tell and can help you tell them (if you want help with this).

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Syphilis: What are The Symptoms, Tests & Treatments – Brook