Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Like other STIs, it can be passed on during unprotected sex.  Syphilis cases have increased in recent years in the UK. The number of infections have risen from around 3,300 in 2013, to around 8,700 in 2022. Syphilis can cause serious health problems if it’s not treated. 

Syphilis has different symptoms at different stages. You may also not get any symptoms at all from syphilis, or you may not notice them.

Primary Syphilis:

The first syphilis symptom you may notice is one or more ulcers around your genitals. These are known as chancres (pronounced ‘shankers’) and may appear as an ulcer between a few weeks and 3 months and might be on your penis, vagina, anus or mouth.

Secondary Syphilis:

Several weeks after the primary (first) stage of syphilis, the infection can affect other parts of your body. You may have:

*a flat, red rash
*patchy hair loss
*wart-like growths around your genitals

You might also start to feel generally unwell, with headaches and a fever. Sometimes this can happen earlier, at the same time as having an ulcer.

Latent (hidden) Syphilis:

During this stage you have any signs or symptoms although you may still be infectious.

Teriary (late) Syphilis:

During this phase the infection causes more serious health problems e.g. loss of vision, heart problems as well as problems affecting your brain & nervous system.