ThanksDoc
Sign in
Skip to content

Syphilis

A rising STI that's serious if untreated, but fully curable when caught.

Speak to a GP about syphilisFrom £79

In short

Syphilis is increasing in the UK and serious if left untreated, but it's fully curable with antibiotics when caught. Testing and treatment are through sexual health services and are free on the NHS.

Overview

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. It progresses through stages, a painless sore, then a rash and flu-like illness, then long silent periods, and can cause serious damage to the heart, brain, and nerves if untreated for years. It's diagnosed with a blood test and cured with antibiotic injections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • A painless sore (ulcer), often on the genitals, anus, or mouth, in the early stage
  • A non-itchy rash, often on the palms and soles, in the secondary stage
  • Flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, or hair loss
  • Often no symptoms for long periods (latent stage)
  • Serious complications if left untreated for years

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if you have a painless sore or unexplained rash, or a risk of exposure, for advice on testing. Testing and treatment are free via NHS sexual health services.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • A rash with fever and feeling very unwell
  • Vision changes, severe headache, or neurological symptoms (possible serious complication)
  • Pregnancy with possible exposure (syphilis in pregnancy needs prompt treatment)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • A confidential assessment of symptoms and risk
  • Guidance on getting a syphilis blood test (via a sexual health service)
  • Explanation of treatment, usually antibiotic injections given at a clinic
  • Advice on partner testing and notification
  • Advice to avoid sex until treatment is complete and confirmed
  • Referral to an NHS sexual health service for testing, treatment, and follow-up (free)

What we don't do

  • Antibiotic injection treatment and follow-up blood tests (NHS sexual health services)
  • Specialist management of complications (hospital services)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about syphilis starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Testing and treatment are provided free by NHS sexual health services; your consultation covers assessment and guidance.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about syphilis

Is syphilis curable?
Yes. Syphilis is fully curable with antibiotics (usually penicillin injections), especially when caught early. Untreated over years it can cause serious damage, so testing and treatment matter.
How is it treated?
With antibiotic injections given at a sexual health clinic, followed by blood tests to confirm it's cleared. We assess you and direct you promptly to the right service.
Can it have no symptoms?
Yes. After early stages it can be silent for years (latent syphilis) while still causing harm, which is why testing after exposure is important.
Why is testing important in pregnancy?
Syphilis can be passed to the baby and cause serious harm, so it's part of routine antenatal screening and is treated promptly if found.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about syphilis?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

Start on WhatsApp

7 days a week · 08:00–22:00 · WhatsApp or email