Syphilis Testing in London

Syphilis, a less common but increasing STI, progresses through primary, secondary, tertiary, and latent stages, each with distinct symptoms. The latent stage may be asymptomatic. Syphilis can affect various areas, including the genitals and mouth. Our sexual health clinic offers rapid and thorough testing for syphilis and other STIs. We are committed to providing convenient, confidential, and affordable services to meet your health needs.

Causes

You need to get tested when you have had unprotected sex or notice the symptoms. The first symptoms are sores on your genitals, which are highly infectious though do not have any pain. These may be there around the mouth and can develop into rash. In some cases, syphilis do not show any symptoms.

When should I get tested?

If you have engaged in unprotected sex or notice potential symptoms, it's important to get tested for syphilis. The initial symptom of this infection often includes painless sores on the genitals, which are highly infectious. These sores may also appear around the mouth and can develop into a rash. Keep in mind, however, that syphilis can sometimes be asymptomatic, showing no visible symptoms, which underscores the importance of testing if you believe you may have been exposed.

Symptoms

Primary Stage of Syphilis

Timing: Symptoms usually develop 2-3 weeks after infection.

Symptoms:

• Swollen lymph glands in the groin, neck, or underarms.
• Chancre: A small, painless sore or ulcer, not always easily visible. Commonly appears on the anal area, penis, or vagina, but can also develop on or around the buttocks, fingers, or mouth.
• The appearance of one sore or multiple sores.

Duration: This stage can last up to 8 weeks and will progress to the second stage if left untreated. 

Secondary Stage of Syphilis

Symptoms:

• Rash, often on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
• Swollen glands.
• Small skin growths around the anus or on the vulva.
• Flu-like symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain.
• White patches inside the mouth.
• Patchy hair loss. 

Tertiary Stage of Syphilis

Onset: Can take many years to develop and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms:

• Numbness.
• Dementia.
• Meningitis.
• Vision loss or problems.
• Loss of coordination.
• Heart problems.
• Stroke.

Understanding these stages highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of syphilis to prevent progression to the more severe stages. 

What does the test include?

Syphilis is diagnosed using a blood test, which can confirm the presence of Treponema pallidum, the bacterium causing the infection.

Treatment

Treatment for syphilis involves a course of antibiotics, with the specific type and duration depending on how long the infection has been present.

• For Infections Less Than Two Years Old: A single injection of penicillin into the buttock is usually administered. For those allergic to penicillin, a 10-14 day course of alternative antibiotics is prescribed.
• For Infections Older Than Two Years: The treatment consists of three penicillin injections given at weekly intervals or a month-long course of antibiotic tablets.
• For Severe Infections: In cases where the infection is particularly serious, the penicillin injections may be increased to a daily schedule for two weeks to a month.

Post-Treatment

After completing the antibiotic course, a follow-up blood test is recommended to confirm that the infection has been fully eradicated. 

What to Expect

Note: After completing treatment for syphilis, a follow-up blood test is recommended to confirm that the infection has been completely cleared.

FAQS

How can syphilis be transmitted?

Syphilis can spread when an infected area of a mucous membrane comes into contact with the mucous membrane of another person.

Is it possible to treat syphilis completely?

Yes, syphilis is treatable by taking the right antibiotics, as suggested by your healthcare provider.

How long will it take to clear syphilis?

Syphilis can be treated with penicillin, which is given in the form of a shot. If you have had syphilis for less than a year, then you need only one shot. But if you have had syphilis for more than one year, you require three shots, which means one shot a week for three weeks.