STD Briefs - Syphilis Symptoms, Test & Treatment

Last reviewed on September 22, 2019 by Stacy Sampson, DO

Syphilis STD Brief

These briefs are intended to give readers (specifically those readers who weren’t aware many of these STDs existed) an overview of each STD, their commonality, treatment options, and diagnostic tests available.

This information is by no means all-encompassing and The STI Project encourages using these briefs as primers and then further delving into the resources section when subsequent questions arise.

Syphilis Symptoms, Test & Treatment

Common? Somewhat common – Around 30,000-40,000 people infected in the U.S. annually

Symptoms Often, syphilis has no symptoms or has such mild symptoms that a person doesn’t notice them. Primary Stage — A painless sore or open, wet ulcer, which is called a chancre, appears. Chancres can appear on the genitals, in the vagina, on the cervix, lips, mouth, breasts, or anus. Swollen glands may also occur during the primary phase. Secondary Stage —Body rashes that last 2–6 weeks — often on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. There are many other symptoms, including mild fever, fatigue, sore throat, hair loss, weight loss, swollen glands, headache, and muscle pains. Late Stage — One out of three people who have syphilis that is not treated suffer serious damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, or other organs, and death may result.

Cure? Antibiotic

Bacterial/Viral/ Fungal/Parasitic Bacterial

Test Test fluid from open sores or blood test

Life-Long? No

Life-Threatening? Maybe, one out of three people who have syphilis that is not treated suffer serious damage to the nervous system, heart, brain, or other organs, and death may result

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Did this brief synopsis help clarify the STD or answer questions you had? Is there a category you’d like to see or something you think should be added to the quick overviews? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!