Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) you can get by having sex with a person who has it.

The infection is most common in people aged under 30 years but anyone can get it.

Symptoms

You might not know you have syphilis because sometimes there are no symptoms.

If symptoms are there, they may include:

painless ulcers or sores on the genitals, anus or mouth
rash on the body, hands or soles of the feet
unusual lumps on the genitals or anus area
enlarged glands (lymph nodes) in the neck, arm pits or groin
hair loss
headaches, tiredness or fever.

How it spreads

You can get syphilis with any type of sexual contact.

You are more at risk if:

the person has sores or a rash from syphilis
you have unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex (without a condom or dam).

How to protect yourself

Use a condom or dam when having any type of sex. This includes oral sex, such as giving ‘head’ or a ‘blowjob’. They act as a barrier and can reduce the chance of infection.
Use lube when you have sex to reduce friction and help stop the condom or dam from breaking.

Learn more about safer sex and where to get free condoms.

When to get tested

Everyone who is sexually active should get regular STI tests.

STI tests often check for more than one type of STI.

Syphilis can be tested for with:

a blood test
a swab, if you have ulcers or sores.

Find out where you can get tested for STIs.

Treatment

Syphilis is treated with an antibiotic called penicillin, given by an injection.

After treatment, you should not have sexual contact for 7 days and until sexual partners are treated.

Health care workers can help you contact your sexual partners so they can be tested and treated too. This is done in private so you can stay anonymous.