Syphilis symptoms: do you recognize any of these?

Syphilis symptoms

Syphilis is an STI caused by a bacterium.
There's a 30% chance of transmitting syphilis during unprotected sex.
Men who have sex with men are most at risk for syphilis.
Without treatment, syphilis can cause serious symptoms. Always do a test if you're not sure about syphilis symptoms.

Not sure if you have syphilis symptoms?

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. If you have sex without a condom with someone who has syphilis, the bacteria can stay in the vagina, penis, nose or mouth after sex. This can happen during vaginal or anal sex, as well as through any contact between mucous membranes. So although syphilis is most commonly passed on during sex between two men, anyone who is sexually active can get syphilis.

Compared to other STIs, syphilis is rare. If you've had sexual contact with someone who has syphilis, there's a 30% chance that it will be passed on to you. If you do get syphilis and it's not treated, it can lead to serious symptoms. So it's always a good idea to do a syphilis STI test if you think you may have syphilis symptoms.

Our “Do I have syphilis” page has information all about the STI syphilis.

Symptoms of syphilis in men

A noticeable ulcer or sore is one of the main possible symptoms of syphilis. There are also other symptoms, which you may notice from 2 to 12 weeks after being exposed to syphilis. These can include:

an ulcer on your penis, in your anus, near your mouth or on your tongue
flu symptoms, such as fever and pain in your muscles or joints
a non-itchy rash on your upper body, palms or soles of your feet
patchy hair loss
grey warts on your penis or anus

Symptoms of syphilis in women

The symptoms of syphilis are virtually the same for men and women. If you get symptoms, you may notice them as early as 2 weeks after unprotected sex, but it may be as long as 12 weeks. The most common symptoms are:

an ulcer in your vagina, anus, near your mouth or on your tongue
flu-like symptoms, such as fever and pain in your muscles or joints
a non-itchy rash on your upper body, palms or soles of your feet
patchy hair loss
grey warts around your vagina and anus

Testing for syphilis

All2 Test packages

Be sure about your syphilis symptoms

Not sure if you have syphilis? Test! If syphilis is not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. So always do a syphilis STI test If you notice any symptoms. At Soapoli-online, we make testing as easy as possible. You can do the test yourself, in your own bathroom. Do wait 4 weeks after unprotected sex before doing the test. If you take the test earlier than this, the results will not be reliable. If the test shows that you have syphilis, we will also help you get the right treatment.

How does an STI test work?

How does an online home STI test work?

1. Take the FREE STI test guide

Use our FREE STI Testing Guide, and get instant answers on which STI home test you need and the most reliable time to test.

2. Completely anonymous ordering and delivery

Soapoli-online delivers your STI home test discreetly. Order before 10.45 pm for delivery the next working day. Follow the clear instructions and to take the STI home test yourself..

3. Send your sample to our lab for FREE.

Send your sample to our ISO-certified laboratory free of charge. The reliability of home STI testing is the same as testing through the GP or GGD.

4. Get your results

The results of your home STI test will be visible within 1-3 working days in our results portal.

Why choose Soapoli-online?

Soapoli-online offers comprehensive STI care. We've been doing this for more than 10 years. Think you have STI symptoms? Then take control of your health and get tested. More than 50,000 people a year already rely on our home STI testing. Our team of expert STI nurses will support you every step of the way, from choosing the right test to ordering medication to get rid of your STI fast.

We're here for you

With more than 10 years of experience, we offer complete STI care. Our STI testing kits for men and women are available online and in as many as 500 pharmacies. Every year, more than 50,000 people trust our STI test kits. If you're unsure whether your symptoms are syphilis, take control of your health and get an STI test. Our team of experienced STI nurses is ready to guide and support you in taking the right steps towards a healthier body.