Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by a bacteria like organism, called Treponema pallidum.

What is STD?

STD stands for sexually transmitted disease and are also known as STI (sexually transmitted infection). The infections are passed from person to person through sexual contact. If you are worried you may have an STD, are looking for more information, click below

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Syphilis Testing

(From £284 as part of a full sexual health screen)

It is spread through broken skin or mucous membranes, usually during sexual contact, especially oral intercourse or anal intercourse. Approximately one third of contacts of infectious syphilis will develop the disease.


  • Next day appointments
    Bookable online with live availability or walk-in appointments
  • Private health clinics
    Clinics regulated by the Care Quality Commission and experienced nurses
  • STD testing & STI screening
    Chlamydia, HIV and sexual health checks for asymptomatic conditions
  • Caring & Confidential
    Confidential consultation with our nurse and medical assessment

Public Health England’s 2016 figures have shown a 12 % increase in Syphilis cases from 5281 to 5920. The largest increase in the number of cases since 1949. In particular the increased incidence is in urban areas such as London, Brighton and Manchester.

Main factors appear to be condomless sexual practices and sero sorting in HIV positive men. In 2016 81 % of new syphilis cases were in MSM.

The first symptom of primary syphilis is a painless ulcer (chancre) in the genital area or mouth, depending on the type of exposure. This tends to occur after 2 to 3 weeks from infection, but can take up to 90 days.

Secondary syphilis presents affecting different systems of the body within the first two years of infection. This can include a generalised rash ( often not itchy) often affecting the palms and soles and glandular swelling. Less commonly the nervous system can be involved such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain), hepatitis (liver), and enlargement of the spleen.

After this, most people remain well for many years, before developing complications. Late syphilis complications is found in up to 40 % of untreated late infections involving in the heart ( aneurysms and angina) and the central nervous system ( including dementia).

Antibody testing is the preferred method of diagnosis. If this is positive, then further tests are carried out to confirm infection.

  • New Fastest Screen-Syphilis Result in 15 Minutes as part of our Fastest STD Screen £240 (Includes HIV/B/Syphilis tests) from 28 Days Post Exposure
  • Syphilis IGG /IGM Antibody Test – as a single laboratory test £130. (Includes cost of confirmatory tests if initial result is reactive).Same Day/Next Day Results

Receiving STD results

During your appointment test results and timings will be discussed. All test results are sent to our London based Harley Street laboratory for analysis and results will be sent directly to you once complete. If your results are positive, our specialist team will be in contact and provide NHS referrals if required. We provide treatment nationwide for Chlamydia and in our London flagship clinics we offer treatment for both Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea.

Receiving results

Sexual health FAQ’s

Are you unsure on the difference between an STD and STI? What happens if I have a positive result? If you are looking for answers to these and other sexual health questions, we have put together a list of FAQ’s for you.

Sexual health FAQ’s

Sexual health enquiries

If you need further help regarding any sexual health matters, simply contact us below

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