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 United Kingdom and many other parts of the world over the last decade. At The Wright Practice, 101 Harley Street, Dr Dan Wright offers private, confidential syphilis testing and treatment for all patients regardless of age, gender, sexuality or relationship structure.
This page explains what syphilis is, how it is transmitted, what symptoms it can cause, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated. You may also find our dedicated syphilis information page useful (thewrightpractice.com/syphilis/), along with our pages on comprehensive STI screening (thewrightpractice.com/sexual-health/comprehensive-sti-screening/) and understanding STI testing (thewrightpractice.com/sexual-health/understanding-sti-testing/).
Syphilis is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with a syphilitic sore, known as a chancre. Transmission can occur during:
The infection can also be transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy, a condition known as congenital syphilis. Syphilis is not spread through casual contact such as sharing toilets, cutlery, swimming pools or everyday social interaction.
Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with distinct characteristics. Understanding these stages is important because symptoms vary considerably and can be easy to overlook.
The first sign of infection is usually a painless ulcer called a chancre, which appears at the site of infection. This can occur on the:
Because the chancre is typically painless and often hidden from view, many patients are unaware it was ever present. The ulcer usually heals on its own within a few weeks even without treatment, but the infection remains active within the body.
If left untreated, syphilis progresses to a secondary stage. Symptoms may include:
Symptoms of secondary syphilis often resolve on their own, even without treatment. This can give a false reassurance that the infection has cleared, when in fact it may have progressed to a latent phase.
During the latent phase, there are no symptoms at all. Individuals may remain completely well for many years while still carrying the infection. If left untreated for an extended period, syphilis can occasionally affect the brain, nervous system, heart, blood vessels and eyes. Prompt diagnosis and treatment at any stage prevents these long-term complications.
Most syphilis testing is performed using blood tests. Modern laboratory testing detects antibodies produced by the immune system in response to infection. At The Wright Practice, blood testing is carried out with rapid turnaround times and results are discussed with full clinical context.
There is a period following exposure during which testing may return a negative result despite infection being present. This is known as the window period. Where a patient attends shortly after a potential exposure, Dr Dan Wright may recommend repeat testing at an appropriate interval. For a full explanation of window periods and how testing works, please see thewrightpractice.com/sexual-health/understanding-sti-testing/.
Syphilis remains highly treatable at all stages. Treatment most commonly involves antibiotics, often administered by injection. The exact regimen depends on:
Follow-up blood tests are usually performed after treatment to confirm a satisfactory response. Dr Dan Wright will provide clear guidance on what to expect and when to return for review. Partner notification and testing is an important part of managing syphilis, and the team at The Wright Practice can offer supportive advice on this.
Syphilis testing is appropriate for anyone who:
Many patients attending for routine sexual health checks opt to include syphilis as part of a wider panel. For more about screening options, see thewrightpractice.com/sexual-health/comprehensive-sti-screening/ and thewrightpractice.com/sexual-screening-and-hiv-tests/.
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 192 Reviews
