What Is Syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum.

The infection can progress through several stages:

• Primary syphilis
• Secondary syphilis
• Latent syphilis
• Tertiary syphilis

Symptoms can disappear between stages even though the infection remains in the body.

This means feeling well does not necessarily mean untreated syphilis has resolved.

How Is Syphilis Transmitted?

Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with an infectious syphilis sore or lesion during:

• Vaginal sex
• Oral sex
• Anal sex
• Genital skin-to-skin contact involving an infectious lesion

Syphilis can also be transmitted from a pregnant patient to the fetus during pregnancy.

Transmission is most likely during the earlier stages of infection.

Is Syphilis an STD?

Yes.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection.

Because early sores can be painless and located inside the vagina, cervix, mouth, or anus, some people may not notice the initial infection.

Screening can therefore be important after potential exposure even when symptoms are absent.

What Are the Symptoms of Syphilis?

Symptoms depend on the stage of infection.

Possible signs include:

• Painless genital sore
• Mouth or anal sores
• Skin rash
• Rash involving the palms or soles
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Patchy hair loss

Symptoms can disappear without treatment, but the infection may remain.

Primary Syphilis

Primary syphilis commonly begins with a sore called a chancre.

The chancre may be:

• Painless
• Firm
• Round
• Single or multiple

It can appear where the bacteria entered the body.

Possible locations include the:

• Vulva
• Vagina
• Cervix
• Anus
• Rectum
• Mouth
• Lips

Because chancres are often painless, they can easily go unnoticed.

Does a Syphilis Sore Hurt?

Usually not.

A primary syphilis chancre is classically painless.

This differs from conditions such as genital herpes, which more commonly causes painful blisters or ulcers.

However, symptoms do not always follow textbook patterns, so genital sores should be professionally evaluated.

Secondary Syphilis

Secondary syphilis can develop after the initial sore has healed.

Possible symptoms include:

• Skin rash
• Rash on the palms or soles
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Patchy hair loss
• Moist wart-like lesions in genital areas

The rash may be subtle and may not itch.

Syphilis Rash

A syphilis rash can appear on different parts of the body.

One characteristic pattern involves the:

• Palms of the hands
• Soles of the feet

However, not every patient develops this pattern.

Any unexplained rash after sexual exposure should be medically evaluated when STI risk is possible.

Latent Syphilis

Latent syphilis means infection is present without obvious symptoms.

A person may feel completely healthy while blood tests remain positive.

Latent infection can last for years.

Treatment is still important even when symptoms are absent.

Tertiary Syphilis

Untreated syphilis can sometimes progress to serious late complications.

Tertiary disease may affect:

• Brain
• Nervous system
• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Other organs

Modern screening and antibiotic treatment make these complications preventable in most patients who receive appropriate care.

Neurosyphilis

Syphilis can affect the nervous system at different stages.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Severe headache
• Changes in vision
• Hearing problems
• Balance problems
• Weakness
• Sensory changes
• Cognitive or personality changes
• Other neurological symptoms

Suspected neurosyphilis requires specialist evaluation and specific treatment.

Ocular Syphilis

Syphilis can affect the eyes.

Possible symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Eye pain
• Vision changes
• Reduced vision

Eye symptoms with possible syphilis exposure require prompt medical evaluation.

Otosyphilis

Syphilis can also affect hearing.

Possible symptoms include:

• Hearing loss
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Balance problems

Prompt evaluation is important because specialized treatment may be required.

Syphilis in Women

Women may have no obvious symptoms or may develop lesions that are difficult to see.

A chancre can occur:

• Inside the vagina
• On the cervix
• On the vulva
• Around the anus
• In the mouth

Because internal sores may not be noticed, blood testing is often important when exposure is suspected.

Syphilis During Pregnancy

Syphilis during pregnancy requires prompt treatment.

Untreated maternal infection can be transmitted to the fetus and may cause serious complications.

Pregnancy-related risks can include:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature birth
• Congenital syphilis
• Serious neonatal illness

Pregnant patients with possible syphilis exposure or a positive screening result should receive prompt obstetric and infectious-disease management.

What Is Congenital Syphilis?

Congenital syphilis occurs when syphilis is transmitted from a pregnant patient to the fetus.

It can cause severe complications in the baby.

Appropriate screening and treatment during pregnancy can dramatically reduce the risk.

Who Should Consider Syphilis Testing?

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Had unprotected sex
• Have a new sexual partner
• Have multiple sexual partners
• Have a partner diagnosed with syphilis
• Have another STI
• Notice an unexplained genital sore
• Develop an unexplained rash
• Are pregnant
• Want routine sexual health screening
• Had sexual contact with someone whose STI status is unknown

Screening recommendations depend on individual risk.

How Is Syphilis Diagnosed?

Syphilis is usually diagnosed using blood tests.

Testing commonly involves a combination of:

• Nontreponemal tests
• Treponemal tests

These tests work together to determine whether infection is likely and help with diagnosis and follow-up.

What Is an RPR Test?

RPR stands for Rapid Plasma Reagin.

It is a type of nontreponemal blood test commonly used in syphilis screening and monitoring.

RPR results may be reported with a titer.

The titer can help doctors:

• Assess disease activity
• Establish a baseline
• Monitor response after treatment

A reactive RPR usually requires confirmation with a treponemal test.

What Is a VDRL Test?

VDRL stands for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory test.

Like RPR, it is a nontreponemal test used in syphilis evaluation.

It may also be used in selected situations involving suspected neurological disease.

Your physician will determine which tests are appropriate.

What Is a Treponemal Test?

Treponemal tests detect antibodies specifically associated with Treponema pallidum.

Examples may include:

• TPPA
• TPHA
• FTA-ABS
• Other treponemal antibody assays

These tests are often used alongside RPR or VDRL.

Can a Syphilis Test Be Negative After Recent Exposure?

Yes.

Blood tests may be negative very early after infection because antibodies have not yet reached detectable levels.

If exposure was recent, your doctor may recommend:

• Initial testing
• Repeat testing after an appropriate interval
• Evaluation of any active lesion

Timing should be based on the exposure and clinical findings.

How Soon Should I Test for Syphilis?

Testing timing depends on:

• Date of exposure
• Presence of symptoms
• Partner diagnosis
• Previous test results

If you have a suspicious genital sore or a partner has been diagnosed with syphilis, seek medical evaluation promptly rather than waiting for a particular testing date.

Repeat testing may be necessary after a recent exposure.

Can Syphilis Be Diagnosed From a Sore?

In selected situations, testing of lesion material may be available.

However, blood testing remains a central part of syphilis diagnosis.

The exact testing approach depends on:

• Lesion appearance
• Test availability
• Stage of infection
• Previous syphilis history

Syphilis Treatment in Seoul

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.

Penicillin is the standard treatment for many forms of syphilis.

The exact regimen depends on:

• Stage of infection
• Duration of infection
• Pregnancy status
• Neurological involvement
• Previous treatment history
• Allergy history

Treatment should be prescribed according to the confirmed or suspected stage.

Can Syphilis Be Cured?

Yes.

Appropriate antibiotic treatment can cure syphilis infection.

However, treatment cannot necessarily reverse damage that has already occurred from advanced untreated disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment are therefore important.

What Medication Treats Syphilis?

Penicillin-based treatment is the standard approach for syphilis in many clinical situations.

For uncomplicated early syphilis, long-acting injectable penicillin is commonly used.

Different treatment schedules are required for:

• Early syphilis
• Late latent syphilis
• Syphilis of unknown duration
• Neurosyphilis
• Ocular syphilis
• Pregnancy

Your doctor will determine the appropriate regimen.

Can Syphilis Be Treated With Oral Antibiotics?

Alternative antibiotics may be considered for selected non-pregnant patients in specific circumstances, but treatment depends on clinical stage and medical history.

Penicillin remains particularly important for:

• Pregnancy
• Neurosyphilis
• Ocular syphilis
• Certain other clinical situations

Patients should not self-treat syphilis with leftover antibiotics.

Syphilis Treatment During Pregnancy

Penicillin is especially important for syphilis during pregnancy because it is the established treatment capable of treating maternal infection and preventing congenital transmission.

Patients with a reported penicillin allergy may require specialist management.

Prompt treatment is essential.

What Is the Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction?

Some patients experience a temporary reaction after starting syphilis treatment.

This is called the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction.

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Temporary worsening of symptoms

It typically occurs relatively soon after treatment and is caused by the body's inflammatory response to dying bacteria rather than an allergy to penicillin.

Pregnant patients should contact their healthcare team promptly if significant symptoms develop.

How Do I Know if Syphilis Treatment Worked?

Follow-up blood testing is important after treatment.

Your doctor may monitor RPR or VDRL titers over time.

A significant decline in the titer generally supports an appropriate treatment response.

The schedule depends on:

• Stage of syphilis
• Pregnancy
• HIV status
• Previous results
• Treatment response

Can Syphilis Come Back After Treatment?

Successful treatment cures the existing infection, but it does not provide immunity.

You can become infected with syphilis again after future exposure.

Repeat infection is possible.

When Can I Have Sex After Syphilis Treatment?

Sexual activity should be avoided until:

• Treatment has been completed
• Infectious lesions have healed
• Partners have been appropriately evaluated and treated
• Your healthcare provider confirms it is appropriate to resume sexual contact

Resuming sexual activity too early can result in transmission or reinfection.

Does My Partner Need Treatment?

Sexual partners may need:

• Testing
• Medical evaluation
• Preventive treatment in certain circumstances

Partner management depends on:

• Stage of syphilis
• Timing of sexual contact
• Partner test results
• Clinical guidelines

Partner evaluation is an important part of preventing reinfection.

Can I Get Syphilis Again From an Untreated Partner?

Yes.

If a partner remains infected, you can be reinfected even after successful treatment.

Partner testing and treatment are therefore important.

Do Condoms Prevent Syphilis?

Condoms can reduce syphilis transmission risk but do not eliminate it.

A syphilis sore may occur on skin that is not covered by a condom.

Consistent condom use still reduces the risk of many sexually transmitted infections.

Should I Be Tested for Other STDs?

Yes, other STI testing may be appropriate depending on your sexual history and exposure.

Testing may include:

• HIV
• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C in selected patients
• Other infections when clinically indicated

A syphilis diagnosis is an opportunity to review overall sexual health.

Syphilis and HIV

Syphilis and HIV can occur together.

Syphilis sores and inflammation may increase susceptibility to HIV transmission.

Patients diagnosed with syphilis are often advised to consider HIV testing.

Syphilis vs. Genital Herpes

These conditions can both cause genital sores.

Syphilis

Often causes a painless chancre during the primary stage.

Genital Herpes

More commonly causes painful blisters or ulcers.

However, appearance is not always typical, so testing is important.

Syphilis vs. Genital Warts

Syphilis and genital warts have different causes.

Syphilis

Is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.

Genital Warts

Are caused by certain HPV types.

Secondary syphilis can sometimes cause moist wart-like lesions called condyloma lata, which can resemble other genital growths.

Professional examination helps distinguish them.

Can Syphilis Cause Vaginal Discharge?

Syphilis is not typically characterized primarily by vaginal discharge.

If discharge is present, your doctor may evaluate for other conditions such as:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhea
• Trichomoniasis
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Yeast infection
• Cervicitis

More than one infection can occur at the same time.

Does Syphilis Affect Fertility?

Syphilis is not one of the most common direct causes of tubal infertility.

However, untreated infection can cause serious systemic and pregnancy-related complications.

Patients with fertility concerns may also need testing for other infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Does Syphilis Cause Cervical Cancer?

No.

Cervical cancer is primarily associated with persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types.

Syphilis and HPV are different infections.

When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Care?

Seek prompt medical attention if you have possible syphilis exposure together with:

• New vision problems
• Hearing loss
• Severe headache
• Neurological symptoms
• Significant weakness
• Pregnancy
• Serious systemic symptoms

These situations may require urgent specialist evaluation.

What Happens During Your Appointment?

Your appointment may include:

• Confidential sexual health consultation
• Review of symptoms
• Examination of genital lesions when present
• Sexual exposure history
• Pregnancy assessment
• Syphilis blood testing
• HIV testing when appropriate
• Additional STI testing
• Review of previous syphilis results
• Treatment planning
• Partner-management counseling
• Follow-up blood test planning

The exact evaluation depends on symptoms and exposure history.

How Should I Prepare for a Syphilis Test?

Before your appointment, it can help to know:

• Approximate date of possible exposure
• Date symptoms began
• Whether you have genital sores
• Whether a partner was diagnosed with syphilis
• Previous STI history
• Previous syphilis treatment
• Current medications
• Pregnancy possibility
• Penicillin allergy history

You do not need symptoms to request STI screening.

Syphilis Testing and Treatment Cost in Seoul

At Y Queen Women's Clinic:

• Consultation fees depend on the evaluation required.
• Syphilis blood tests may have separate laboratory charges.
• Additional costs may apply for HIV and other STI testing.
• Medication or injection costs depend on the treatment required.
• Follow-up blood testing may involve additional fees.
• More complex disease may require referral or hospital-based treatment.

Exact testing options, treatment availability, and current pricing can be discussed during consultation.

Why Choose Y Queen Women's Clinic?

International patients choose Y Queen because of its:

• English-speaking medical support
• Confidential sexual healthcare
• Syphilis screening
• STI blood testing
• Evaluation of genital sores
• HIV testing when indicated
• Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening
• Pregnancy-related STI assessment
• Personalized treatment planning
• Follow-up syphilis blood testing
• Partner-management counseling
• Comfortable, private consultation environment
• Convenient Gangnam location
• Foreigner-friendly appointment process
• Follow-up gynecological care

Our approach focuses on confidential testing, accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, follow-up, and comprehensive sexual health care.

Convenient Location in Gangnam

Y Queen Women's Clinic is located in Gangnam, Seoul, with convenient access near Apgujeong Rodeo Station.

The clinic is accessible for international patients living, working, studying, or staying in Gangnam, Cheongdam, Apgujeong, Sinsa, Itaewon, Myeongdong, and other parts of central Seoul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum.

Is syphilis curable?

Yes. Appropriate antibiotic treatment can cure syphilis.

Can foreigners get syphilis testing in Seoul?

Yes. Y Queen Women's Clinic provides confidential, English-speaking sexual health consultations and STI testing for international patients.

What does syphilis look like?

Primary syphilis often causes a painless sore, while secondary syphilis can cause a widespread rash, including on the palms and soles. Many patients may have mild or unnoticed symptoms.

Does a syphilis sore hurt?

Typically, the primary chancre is painless, although symptoms can vary.

Can syphilis have no symptoms?

Yes. Syphilis can enter a latent stage with no noticeable symptoms while infection remains present.

How is syphilis tested?

Syphilis is usually diagnosed through blood tests using a combination of nontreponemal tests such as RPR or VDRL and treponemal antibody tests.

What is an RPR test?

RPR is a blood test used for syphilis screening and treatment monitoring. Results may include a titer that can be compared during follow-up.

How soon after exposure can I test?

Testing can be negative early after infection. The appropriate timing and need for repeat testing depend on when exposure occurred and whether symptoms are present.

How is syphilis treated?

Penicillin is the standard treatment for many forms of syphilis. The regimen depends on the stage of infection and whether pregnancy or neurological involvement is present.

Can I treat syphilis myself?

No. Syphilis requires proper diagnosis, staging, prescription treatment, and follow-up testing.

Does syphilis treatment work immediately?

Antibiotics treat the infection, but follow-up blood testing is necessary to confirm an appropriate response over time.

Can I get syphilis again after treatment?

Yes. Treatment does not create immunity, so reinfection is possible after another exposure.

Should my partner be tested?

Yes. Recent sexual partners may need evaluation, testing, or treatment depending on the timing and stage of infection.

Can syphilis be transmitted when there are no symptoms?

Transmission is most likely during stages with infectious lesions, but because symptoms may be missed, partner evaluation and appropriate testing remain important.

Do condoms prevent syphilis?

Condoms reduce risk but cannot provide complete protection if an infectious lesion is located on uncovered skin.

Can syphilis affect pregnancy?

Yes. Untreated syphilis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth, or congenital syphilis. Prompt treatment is essential.

Does syphilis cause infertility?

Syphilis is not a common direct cause of tubal infertility,

but untreated infection can cause serious systemic and pregnancy complications.

Should I get tested for HIV if I have syphilis?

HIV testing is commonly recommended as part of comprehensive STI evaluation when syphilis is diagnosed or suspected.

Does Y Queen Women's Clinic test and treat syphilis?

Y Queen Women's Clinic can provide confidential syphilis screening, STI evaluation, blood testing, pregnancy-related assessment, and treatment planning. Depending on the stage of infection, medication requirements, pregnancy status, or possible neurological involvement, referral to an appropriate specialist or hospital may be coordinated.