GET TESTED FOR SYPHILIS > FAQs

What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Usually, symptoms show up (10-90 days - average 3 weeks - after becoming infected) after being exposed to syphilis. Possible early symptoms: Skin sore called chancre (shank-er). There may be more than one. They are usually not painful. They may be on the penis, scrotum, vaginal lips, anus, or mouth. Infected women may not be aware of any symptoms because sores may be inside the vagina. Even without treatment these sores will go away after several weeks. You are still infected. Lymph glands near the sore may be swollen, and also are not painful. Possible later symptoms (4-12 weeks after becoming infected): Flu-like illness with sore throat, headache, and fever. Skin rash all over the body, in the mouth, on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (not itchy). Warty-like growths may appear in the mouth, on the genitals or around the anus. Patchy hair loss may be noticed. Nervous system symptoms: neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hearing loss and loss of speech. These sympt oms will go away even without treatment. You are still infected.

** See Symptoms for more information **

How would I know if I have syphilis?
If you have a sore on your genitals, have an STD check. There are special tests available to diagnose syphilis from sores. A blood test for syphilis can be done. You could have syphilis and not know it. Anytime you have tests for STDs be sure and ask for a syphilis blood test also.

Is syphilis dangerous?
Yes! If not treated, syphilis can cause brain damage, heart disease, and other long-term health problems. A pregnant woman can pass syphilis to her baby which could cause permanent damage. The chancre also makes transmission of HIV much easier.

How is syphilis treated?
Penicillin shots cure syphilis. Other medicine can be used if you are allergic to penicillin. We sometimes find a positive test for syphilis in an older person who is no longer sexual. They could have been infected many years ago. We recommend treatment for them because some people with long term, untreated syphilis can develop brain, heart, and nervous system damage. At this late stage of syphilis a person is not contagious to sex partners.

What can I do if I have syphilis?
You and your sex partner(s) must be examined and treated. If not treated they can give the infection back to you, or infect others. Your syphilis blood test may stay positive (not normal) even after treatment. You will be required to undergo additional treatment during the first year of your diagnosis.You will no longer be contagious once treatment is completed.

How do I avoid getting syphilis?
Plan ahead. Protect yourself. If you're thinking of having sex with a new partner: talk about STDs; talk about your wish to have protected, safer sex (male or female condoms); suggest an STD check-up for both of you before having sex.

Does Syphilis pose special problems for people with HIV?
It can. People with HIV sometimes have unusual results (higher or lower than they should be) on syphilis blood tests, which can make syphilis harder to diagnose. People with HIV also may have increased risk for neurosyphilis - syphilis complications involving the brain and nervous system. Also, people with HIV are more likely to have treatment failure using the regular doses of antibiotics for syphilis, and may need higher doses. Therefore, if you have HIV and are treated for syphilis, it is important you be followed up carefully by a doctor to make sure your syphilis infection has been successfully cured. Syphilis also makes it much easier for people with HIV to transmit HIV to their sex partners.

Do condoms work for syphilis?
Using a condom correctly and consistently can reduce the risk of syphilis. You should note, though, that if the syphilis sore or open rash is not in an area protected by the condom, you can still get syphilis. And if you have oral sex without a condom (giving or getting), you can still get syphilis.

If I get treated for syphilis and am cured, can I get syphilis again?
Yes. Having syphilis does not give you immunity from getting syphilis again.