Syphilis
Overview
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If it's not treated, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening problems.
Symptoms
Painless sore (chancre); rash on palms/soles; flu-like symptoms. Can be hidden.
Causes
Bacterial STI (Treponema pallidum).
Treatment
Syphilis is treated withantibiotics, which you may have as injections, tablets or capsules. Treatment may be started before your test result is known. How long you need treatment for will depend on the stage of your syphilis. In some people, treatment can cause flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, headache and aching muscles. This usually lasts for up to 24 hours. You'll need to go back to the GP surgery or sexual health clinic 6 and 12 weeks after starting treatment to be retested. Do not have sex (vaginal, anal or oral) until you and your partner have finished treatment and tests have shown treatment has worked.
Prevention
There are some things you can do to avoid getting syphilis and passing it on to others. use a condom when you have vaginal or anal sex use a condom when you have vaginal or anal sex use a condom to cover the penis or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the vagina if you have oral sex use a condom to cover the penis or a latex or plastic square (dam) to cover the vagina if you have oral sex make sure you complete treatment if you or your partner have syphilis make sure you complete treatment if you or your partner have syphilis do not share sex toys (or wash and cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them) do not share sex toys (or wash and cover them with a new condom before anyone else uses them) do not share needles if you inject drugs do not share needles if you inject drugs
When to see a doctor
See GP/Clinic if: symptoms of STI or at risk (unprotected sex).