What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial, sexually transmitted infection which is normally passed on during sexual activity with someone who is infected. Syphilis can enter your body if you have close contact with an infected sore, normally during vaginal, anal or oral sex, or by sharing sex toys with someone who is infected.
Pregnant women can pass the condition on to their unborn baby, which can cause the baby to die.
It is also possible to catch syphilis if you are an injecting drug user and you share a needle with somebody who is infected.
Syphilis cannot be passed on through casual contact, including kissing and hugging, or from sharing baths, towels, swimming pools, toilet seats or cutlery.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of syphilis are the same for men and women, and can be difficult to recognise. They are often mild, which means you can pass on the infection without knowing you have it.
Primary Stage
Syphilis can appear any time from 10 days to three months after you have been exposed to the infection.
The most common symptom is the appearance of a small, painless sore which will appear on the part of your body where the infection was transmitted.
Although the sore will disappear within two to six weeks, if the condition is not treated, syphilis will move into its second stage.
Secondary Stage
The symptoms of secondary syphilis can include:
- A non-itchy skin rash appearing anywhere on the body, but commonly on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- Small skin growths, often mistaken for genital warts
- Flu-like symptoms – such as tiredness, headaches, joint pains and fever
- Swollen lymph glands
- Weight loss
- Patchy hair loss
These symptoms may disappear within a few weeks, or come and go over a period of months.
Latent Stage
Without treatment, syphilis will move into its hidden phase, where there are no symptoms but without treatment, it can lead to serious and life-threatening health problems.
Getting checked for syphilis
Early diagnosis and treatment reduces the chance of serious complications.
A physical examination is done by a doctor or nurse.
The genitals and anus will be examined.
They may also check the body for any rashes or growths and examine the mouth and throat.
Anyone can get a free and confidential examination at a sexual health clinic, a GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinic or a GP surgery.
Treating syphilis
Primary and secondary syphilis can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Treatment usually lasts around 2 weeks.
Preventing syphilis
Male and Female condoms can reduce your risk of catching syphilis, but cannot prevent it altogether.
Want more information?
Ask your school nurse, visit the Bexley Sexual Health Website, visit your local young person’s sexual health clinic or visit NHS Choices website.