What is syphilis & when should you get a syphilis test?

Syphilis might not be talked about as much as other STDs, but it’s important to know about. This sexually transmitted disease (STD) can cause serious health problems if left untreated — but here’s the good news: syphilis is curable, especially when it’s caught early.

In this article, we’ll break down what syphilis is, what symptoms to watch out for, how to get tested, and what treatment looks like. If you’ve been sexually active, especially with new or multiple partners, or just want to stay on top of your health, this guide will help you know when it’s time to get a syphilis test and what to expect.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It spreads mostly through sexual contact — including oral, vaginal, and anal sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby, which is called congenital syphilis.

One of the tricky things about syphilis is that it shows up in stages, and the symptoms can be easy to miss. Let’s take a quick look at the four stages:

• Primary stage: This usually starts with a single, painless sore called a chancre. It often appears where the bacteria entered the body, like the genitals, rectum, or mouth. The sore goes away on its own in a few weeks — but that doesn’t mean the infection is gone.
• Secondary stage: You might get a skin rash, especially on your palms and soles, along with flu-like symptoms like fever, swollen glands, or fatigue.
• Latent stage: This is when there are no visible symptoms, but the infection is still in your body. It can last for years.
• Tertiary stage: If untreated, syphilis can eventually damage your brain, nerves, heart, and other organs. This is the most dangerous stage, but it’s also rare, thanks to modern testing and treatment.

What are the symptoms of syphilis?

Syphilis can be a little sneaky. Some people get obvious signs, and others don’t notice anything at all. That’s why regular STD testing for syphilis is so important —especially if you're sexually active or have a new partner. Here’s what to watch for during each stage:

Early signs of syphilis

• A painless sore or ulcer (chancre), often around the genitals, anus, or mouth
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Skin rash — often on your palms or the soles of your feet
• Fever
• Muscle aches

Later symptoms

If syphilis goes untreated for a long time, it can cause:

• Vision or hearing loss
• Muscle coordination problems
• Dementia-like symptoms
• Numbness
• Heart and blood vessel issues
  

Since syphilis can hide in your body without symptoms (especially in the latent stage), getting tested regularly is one of the best ways to protect your health and your partner’s health.

How is syphilis diagnosed?

Wondering how to get tested for syphilis? The good news is that it’s usually as simple as a blood test. In fact, most doctors start with a screening blood test like the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) or VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) test. These look for antibodies that your body produces in response to the infection.

If that test comes back positive, you’ll likely get a confirmatory test, such as:

• FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption)
• TP-PA (T. pallidum particle agglutination assay)
  

These confirm that the antibodies are from a syphilis infection and not something else.

What does a syphilis test look for?

A syphilis blood test doesn’t look for the bacteria directly — it looks for your body’s immune response to the bacteria. That’s why it's important to do a confirmatory test to make sure the results are accurate.

When should you get a syphilis test?

If you’re wondering when to get tested for syphilis, here are some clear signs it might be time:

• You’ve noticed a new sore or rash, especially in the genital area
• You’ve had unprotected sex
• You’ve recently had a new partner or multiple partners
• You’re pregnant (syphilis testing is routine during prenatal visits)
• You’re a man who has sex with men (this group is at higher risk)
• You’ve been diagnosed with another STD (having one increases your chances of having others)
  

If any of those apply to you, don’t wait. Regular STD testing — at least once a year, or more often depending on your risk factors — is a smart move for your sexual health.

How is syphilis treated?

Here’s the part where science saves the day. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, most commonly penicillin — and the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat. Here’s what treatment looks like by stage:

• Primary or secondary syphilis: Usually treated with a single injection of Benzathine penicillin G.
• Latent or tertiary syphilis: May require multiple doses over several weeks.
• Neurosyphilis: Treated with penicillin given through an IV, often in a hospital setting.

Follow-up care

After treatment, your doctor will likely schedule follow-up blood tests to make sure the infection is completely gone. It’s also important to:

• Avoid sexual activity until your doctor says it’s safe
• Inform your sexual partners so they can get tested and treated too

Where to get a syphilis test

You don’t need to go far or spend a lot to get tested. Here are a few common places to get a syphilis test:

• Urgent care centers
• STD clinics
• Primary care doctors
• Local health departments
• Planned Parenthood or other community health centers
  

Some clinics offer free or low-cost testing, especially for people who don’t have insurance. You can also use Solv to find and book a same-day syphilis test near you, so you don’t have to wait.

Book a syphilis test at a clinic near you

If you’ve noticed symptoms, had unprotected sex, or just want peace of mind, don’t wait. Early testing is fast and easy — and can protect you and your partners from serious health problems down the line. Use Solv to book a same-day syphilis test near you, whether at a walk-in clinic, urgent care, or local health center. Many places offer quick results and affordable options, even if you don’t have insurance.