Syphilis
Syphilis is caused by bacteria. Although it is less common than other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), it is highly infectious and easily spread through all types of sexual contact – including sharing of sex toys.
Syphilis symptoms can be hard to spot and change over time.
It has three stages:
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- Stage one: small, painless sores or ulcers in your genital area or mouth.
- If left untreated: swollen glands and a skin rash.
- Late-stage syphilis is rarely seen in the UK and can cause serious, long-term health problems.
You can have syphilis without symptoms and still pass it on.
- Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but you can catch it again even after treatment.
- It may take up to 12 weeks to show on a test — so regular testing is important if you have unprotected sex.
- The only way to know if you have syphilis is to get tested.
- Using condoms for all types of sex helps prevent syphilis.
You can access STI testing from:
- sexual health clinics
- some GPs
- pharmacies
- online at-home testing kits
- via your Personal Health Record (PHR)
If you test positive, you need to tell your partners so they can get tested too. Sexual health clinics may be able to help with this.
You can find your nearest GP or sexual health clinic using our find a service tool.
