Incubation period syphilis
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When you become infected with the STI syphilis, you don't notice it immediately after unprotected sex. The symptoms of syphilis come later, because it takes a while for the bacteria to develop further in your body and cause symptoms. The period between infection and getting symptoms is called the incubation period.
What is the incubation period of syphilis?
The incubation period of syphilis can be 10 to 90 days. On average, the incubation period of syphilis is 3 weeks; this means that in most people, the first symptoms of syphilis become noticeable about 3 weeks after infection. Note that you can pass on the STI to another person immediately after infection, even if you have no symptoms yourself.
The course of syphilis after the incubation period
Although syphilis can manifest itself differently, an ulcer can be one of the first symptoms. The ulcer looks like a wound, but does not hurt. As a result, you often don't notice the ulcer if you can't see it, such as when it's in the anus. Within 4 to 6 weeks after infection, the ulcer usually disappears on its own. The second stage of the disease syphilis is accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue and headache. These symptoms may also pass on their own, but the STI remains.
Without treatment, the syphilis bacteria can remain in your body for up to 30 years, and later still cause serious health problems. This is why it is important to get tested for syphilis if you have an ulcer, experience other symptoms or have been warned about this STI.
Incubation period or window phase? The difference
The incubation period is often confused with the window phase, but these terms mean something different. The incubation period refers to the time between the time of syphilis infection and the onset of any symptoms. The window phase, on the other hand, refers to the time it takes before a test can reliably determine whether an infection is present. This is because the bacteria first need time to grow before a test can detect them. The STI syphilis has a window phase of 4 weeks.
When can you test for syphilis?
For a reliable result, it is important to test for syphilis only after the window phase. Do see a doctor earlier or take an STI test if you have symptoms. Is the test negative? Then repeat the test after the elapsed window phase, which is 4 weeks after unsafe sex. Before then, the bacteria are not yet detectable and the test may give a false-negative result. Don't like going to the doctor or GGD for an STI test? Through Soapoli-online you can discreetly order a syphilis STI test for home. Does the test indicate that you have syphilis? Don't worry, our STI nurses are here to help you and we will also help you with treatment.
PrEP care
If you have been at risk for syphilis then you may also be a bit more at risk for other STIs. At Soapoli-online, we also offer PrEP care. You can arrange all this from home. Testing and the PrEP medication we send to you. All about our fast and discreet PrEP care
Resources
This page has been carefully compiled with information from official and independent health organizations:
- STI AIDS Netherlands - Syphilis
- STI AIDS Netherlands for professionals - Syphilis testing and treatment
Soapoli-online gives you certainty about your health. Still unsure if your symptoms fit syphilis, or if you might have another STI? Then do ourfree STI Testing Guide!