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.
Who we are

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 wound or sore can indicate symptoms of syphilis. There are also other symptoms, which you may notice from 2 to 12 weeks after infection. For example, you may experience: 

Symptoms of syphilis in women

The symptoms of syphilis are pretty much the same for men and women. You may notice them as early as 2 weeks after unprotected sex, but this can also take 12 weeks. The most common symptoms are:

  • a wound in your vagina, anus, near your mouth or on your tongue
  • flu, such as fever and pain in your muscles or joints
  • rash that does not itch on your upper body, palms and soles of your feet
  • bald spots on your head
  • grey warts around your vagina and anus
Testing for syphilis
All2 Test packages
Syphilis and HIV STI test
Syphilis and HIV STI test
75,85
Syphilis_STI Test_03/09/2026
Syphilis test
47,15

Be sure about your syphilis symptoms

Doubt? Test! If syphilis is not treated, it can have serious consequences for your health. Therefore, always do asyphilis STI test If you notice (any of) the symptoms. At Soapoli-online, we make testing as easy as possible. You just do the test yourself, in your own bathroom. Do wait 4 weeks after unsafe sex before you do the test. If you take the test earlier, the results will not be reliable. Does the test indicate that you have syphilis? Then we will also help you with the 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?

With Soapoli-online, we offer complete STI care. We've been doing that for more than 10 years. Think you have symptoms of an STI? 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 test to ordering medication so you can get rid of your STI quickly.

We are here for you

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