Private syphilis testing at 101 Harley Street. Blood tests, accurate diagnosis across all stages and expert treatment. Confidential, same-day appointments available.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
Although often perceived as a disease of the past, syphilis has become increasingly common throughout the UK and many other parts of the world over the last decade. It remains one of the most important sexually transmitted infections because of its ability to mimic a wide range of other conditions and because untreated infection can occasionally lead to serious long-term complications.
Syphilis is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre.
Transmission may occur during:
The infection can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, known as congenital syphilis.
Importantly, syphilis is not spread through casual contact such as sharing toilets, cutlery, swimming pools or everyday social interaction.
One of the challenges with syphilis is that symptoms vary considerably depending on the stage of infection.
The earliest stage usually presents with a painless ulcer known as a chancre.
This often appears at the site of infection and may occur on:
Because the lesion is typically painless and often hidden from view, many patients never realise it was present.
Several weeks later, untreated infection may progress to secondary syphilis.
Symptoms may include:
The rash classically affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, although this is not always the case.
Again, symptoms often resolve spontaneously even without treatment, leading some individuals to believe the problem has disappeared.
Following the secondary stage, the infection may enter a latent phase where no symptoms are present.
Individuals may remain completely well for many years whilst still carrying the infection.
If left untreated, syphilis can occasionally affect:
Fortunately, modern screening and treatment mean these complications are now relatively uncommon in developed healthcare systems.
Most syphilis testing is performed using blood tests.
Modern laboratory testing can detect antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection.
Depending on the timing of exposure and clinical circumstances, several different blood tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether infection is active.
Where a suspicious ulcer is present, it may occasionally be possible to identify the organism directly using molecular testing.
As with all sexually transmitted infections, there is a period following exposure during which testing may be negative despite infection being present.
The timing of testing is therefore important.
For patients attending shortly after an exposure, repeat testing may occasionally be recommended depending on the circumstances.
The good news is that syphilis remains highly treatable.
Treatment most commonly involves antibiotics, often administered by injection.
The exact treatment regimen depends on:
Follow-up blood tests are usually performed after treatment to confirm an appropriate response.
Most people diagnosed with syphilis today make a complete recovery.
However, early diagnosis allows treatment before complications develop and reduces the risk of onward transmission to sexual partners.
For this reason, syphilis remains a core component of modern sexual health screening programmes.
Yes. When identified at any stage, syphilis is highly treatable with antibiotics. The earlier treatment begins, the lower the risk of any complications. Follow-up blood tests are used to confirm that treatment has been effective.
There is a window period following exposure during which antibodies may not yet be detectable. This period varies, and Dr Dan Wright will advise on the most appropriate timing for testing based on the circumstances of your exposure.
All consultations and test results at The Wright Practice are strictly confidential. Results are not shared with your GP or any third party without your explicit consent, except in circumstances required by law.
Yes. It is entirely possible to carry syphilis through the latent phase with no symptoms at all. This is one of the reasons regular sexual health screening is recommended for sexually active individuals, particularly those with new or multiple partners.
Untreated syphilis can progress through primary, secondary and latent stages before potentially causing serious complications affecting the heart, nervous system and other organs. These complications develop over many years and are entirely preventable with prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Wow! Dr. Dan was extremely knowledgeable and attentive to my health and well being. I’m so glad to have found him!
I have been going to Dr Wright for a number of years now. He is highly knowledgeable, compassionate, open minded and efficient, I couldn’t recommend him highly enough
I have been a patient of Doctor Dan for some time and continue to consult with him despite having left the UK. Dan has the enthusiasm and energy of a young man, whilst taking the holistic “physician” approach of an old school family doctor, equipped with the most modern insights and technology.
Dr Jain was great. Expert knowledge with practical advice
Schedule a consultation | Call: +44 (0)207 139 1833 | Email: info@thewrightpractice.com
101 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AH
Rated ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ from 197 Reviews
