Disclaimer:
This information is general only and does not replace advice from your GP or healthcare professional. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised diagnosis, treatment, or advice regarding sexually transmitted infections.
Q1: What is syphilis?
A: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum. It progresses in stages — primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary — and can affect many parts of the body, including the skin, heart, brain, and nervous system. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent serious complications.
Q2: How do people get syphilis?
A: Syphilis spreads through direct contact with a syphilis sore during:
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- From mother to baby during pregnancy (congenital syphilis)
It cannot be transmitted by casual contact such as hugging, kissing (unless there’s direct contact with a sore), sharing food, or toilets.
Q3: Who is most at risk?
Anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis, but higher risk groups include:
- People with multiple sexual partners
- Men who have sex with men
- People who do not use condoms consistently
- Those with a history of other STIs
Q4: What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Syphilis often has no symptoms initially, but when present, they vary by stage:
Primary stage:
- Small, painless sore (chancre) at the infection site (genitals, anus, mouth)
- Usually heals within 3–6 weeks without treatment
Secondary stage:
- Skin rash, often on palms and soles
- Fever, swollen lymph nodes
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Mouth sores and hair loss in some cases
Latent stage:
- No visible symptoms, but infection remains in the body
Tertiary stage (rare if untreated):
- Damage to organs like heart, brain, eyes, and nerves
- Serious complications can occur years after infection
Q5: How is syphilis diagnosed?
- Blood tests are the most common method
- Swabs from sores may also be tested
- Early testing is important even if symptoms are absent, especially if you had recent sexual exposure
Q6: How is syphilis treated?
- Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, usually penicillin, sometimes given as an injection
- Early treatment can cure the infection and prevent complications
- Avoid sexual activity until treatment is completed and follow-up tests confirm the infection is cleared
Q7: Do I need a follow-up test?
Yes. Follow-up blood tests are usually recommended at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment to ensure the infection is fully cleared and monitor for reinfection.
Q8: What happens if syphilis is not treated?
Untreated syphilis can progress to serious complications:
- Secondary and latent stages: ongoing infection that can be transmitted to others
- Tertiary stage: organ damage (heart, brain, nerves), vision or hearing loss, paralysis, dementia
- Pregnancy: congenital syphilis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns
Q9: How can syphilis be prevented?
- Use condoms consistently during sex
- Get tested regularly, especially if you have new or multiple partners
- Ensure sexual partners are tested and treated if necessary
- Avoid sexual contact if you or your partner have sores
Q10: Should I tell my partner?
Yes. All recent sexual partners should be informed so they can get tested and treated. Clinics often provide confidential partner notification services to protect privacy and prevent reinfection.
