Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms of Syphilis, which show up at different stages in the infection. The symptoms are the same in men as in women.

Early symptoms

About three weeks after catching Syphilis one or more sores may appear on the body, usually around the penis or vagina. Anytime from a few weeks to a few months later a rash may appear: these small spots don't itch. At the same time other sores may appear and the person may feel unwell, often as if they have a very bad cold. During this time the person is very infectious.

In these early stages the Syphillis is usually easy to treat.

Later stages

When Syphilis is not treated and it stays in the body people can go on to get much more serious health problems later in life. These can include:

• heart problems
• eyesight problems
• problems with the nervous system.

It is still possible to get rid of the Syphilis during this stage but sometimes the serious problems do not go away.

What can I do if I think I have Syphilis?

If you think you have Syphilis you can go to a NHS sexual health clinic. You can read more about clinics and find your nearest one elsewhere on this website. You can also visit one of our Fastest clinics or your local or family doctor (GP).

By law sexual health clinics cannot tell anyone about your visit. However, these rules do not apply to your GP who can tell other people that you have had an appointment with them.

Testing

The doctor will test you for Syphillis with a simple blood test. If you have a sore on your body they will swab this with a cottonwool stick. They will also examine you. None of these tests will be painful but some may be uncomfortable.

The samples will then be tested for Syphilis.

Treatment

If you have Syphilis it is usually easy to get rid of it with a course of antibiotics, taken as either tablets or injections. But you have to take all the tablets to kill the Syphillis. Once you have taken the antibiotics you will need to return to the doctor to make sure the Syphillis is gone.

Protect yourself and others

You will need to tell your girlfriend or boyfriend, or anyone else you have had sex with, as soon as possible that you have been diagnosed with Syphilis so that they can get checked out too. It is important to get rid of the Syphilis early on as it can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Using a condom can help protect against getting Syphilis. Remember too that using a condom will help protect you against getting or passing on other sexually transmitted infections.