References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Syphilis is a bacterial STI caused by Treponema pallidum. It progresses through stages if untreated — from a painless sore to a body rash to a silent latent phase and eventually serious organ damage. The good news is that syphilis is curable with penicillin, especially when caught early. Rates are rising in the UK, making awareness and testing more important than ever.
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Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause | Treponema pallidum bacterium |
| Transmission | Direct contact with syphilitic sore during sex |
| Stages | Primary, secondary, latent, tertiary |
| Treatment | Penicillin injection (curative) |
| Testing | Blood test |
| UK trend | Rising rates, particularly in MSM |
Symptoms by Stage
- Primary: painless firm ulcer (chancre) 10-90 days after exposure
- Secondary: rash (often palms and soles), fever, swollen glands
- Latent: no symptoms — detectable only by blood test
- Tertiary: heart, brain and organ damage (rare with modern care)
Treatment
- Early: single penicillin injection
- Late: three weekly injections
- Highly effective at all stages
- Damage in late stages may not reverse
Prevention
- Condoms
- Regular testing (every 3 months for higher-risk MSM)
- Routine antenatal screening
Read more: 4 stages of syphilis | Identifying syphilis sores | Syphilis symptoms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is syphilis curable?
Yes — penicillin is highly effective.
How is it tested?
Blood test for antibodies.
Is syphilis common?
Rates are rising in the UK.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Catch Syphilis Without Having Sex?
- Cold Sores vs Syphilis Sores: How to Tell the Difference
- How to Identify Syphilis Sores (Chancres)
- Lab Test for Syphilis and Herpes
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
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