Syphilis Testing
We offer fast, discreet testing for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections.
Syphilis may seem like a disease that belongs to the past, and is no longer frequently discussed. However, syphilis cases have in fact been on the rise in the last few years, possibly resulting from decreased use of barrier contraception, now that HIV treatment is more effective and more readily available. While it still isn’t the most common STI infection, it certainly is very serious. Leaving syphilis untreated can cause serious health complications later in life.
There are several stages of syphilis infection; primary, secondary and latent and late stages, the latter being the most serious. Regular screening is essential in preventing spread of the disease and treatment is readily available, so there’s no reason to delay getting tested. Testing is usually done in combination with HIV testing.
We understand that talking about sexual health can be an uncomfortable conversation for some, but our team of experienced doctors and nurses are on hand to discuss any concerns you may have and provide on-going advice and treatment. All our sexual health services are discreet and completely confidential.
How is my sample taken?
A relatively small blood sample is required for a syphilis test.
A finger-prick sample is taken with a lancet (a small needle), a few drops of blood are all that are needed as the sample.
When can I do my test after possibly being exposed to syphilis?
Approximately three weeks following suspected exposure.
If you have no symptoms, it is advisable to wait 3 weeks after suspected exposure before having a test.
If you have symptoms of an STI, you should not delay testing.
How will I receive my result?
During your appointment, we will ask you how you'd like to receive your results.
We can provide them over a phone call, in an email or in a text message. We will only contact you in the way you have requested. All our services are discreet and confidential.
Instant Syphilis testing available
Our instant syphilis test uses a finger prick blood sample and can provide accurate results in 60 seconds.
During your 15-minute appointment our nurse will take the blood sample, explain the results and provide you with further information, if required.
The test also tests for HIV, with sensitivity of 99.3 -100% & specificity of 99-99.8% - meaning it is highly accurate.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a bacterial infection (with Treponema pallidum)
Syphilis is a bacterial infection (with Treponema pallidum) which is usually caught by having sex with someone who is infected. If left untreated it can cause serious health problems. Syphilis infection is divided into stages (primary, secondary, latent and tertiary), categorised by how much the infection has progressed. It can be transmitted by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Sores can be found on/around the penis, vagina, anus and lips/mouth. Syphilis can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of syphilis?
Different stages of syphilis result in different symptoms.
Common early symptoms include raised sores (resembling oral, anal and genital warts), an itchy rash, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes
How does syphilis affect the body?
Syphilis can develop into neurosyphilis
Initially, it can cause painless sores, skin rashes, and mucous membrane lesions. If untreated, it may lead to severe complications like damage to the heart and major blood vessels, and the nervous system (neurosyphilis) which can lead to headaches, altered behaviour, difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, sensory deficits and dementia. Detecting and treating syphilis early with antibiotics is essential to prevent long-term complications and stop its spread. Regular STI testing is crucial for overall sexual health and well-being.
Our Patients Speak for Us
Mark Tebbit
On repeated occasions over the last year, I have received A1 treatment from the Fleet Street Clinic. Short-notice appointments, face to face and on the phone, for emergency conditions and quick prescriptions from excellent doctors have helped me enormously. The Reception Team are also highly professional. I couldn't recommend it more strongly.
Hannah
I went to Fleet Street Clinic to get the rabies vaccine and it was a great service! The jabs were the cheapest I could find around London but the clinic was really clean and professional. Would recommend to come here for travel vaccines!
Tess Kokkinou
I visit twice a week to see Andrew Doody at Fleet Street clinic for my back, he has a great bedside manner, he listens and understands when you tell him about your pain. The staff at reception are amazing too very friendly.
Richard Andrews
A really great private GP service. Warm, friendly and professional doctors who make you feel special and heard. The appointments are never rushed and you are properly examined and treated. Highly recommended.
Nay Chadbourne
Have had all my work travel vaccines at FSC and they have always been exemplary. Easy to book appointments, pleasant reception staff (both over email and phone) and appointment times to suit me. Never been kept waiting past my time and quick/easy vaccines done. Highly recommend.
Victoria Boydell
Easy to book appointments. Friendly and helpful receptionists. Becky, the nurse who has given me my Rabies jabs is a delight. I’m happy to have all my vaccines at Fleet Street.
Liz N
Excellent service, well organised travel clinic with expert and well trained staff. Highly recommended.
JR
Have used Fleet Street Clinic a couple of times for GP services, most recently this month. The team from Reception to the GPs themselves are professional, do not rush and provide sufficient time for diagnosis and treatment discussion. I can’t fault any element of the service. They deserve more than 5 stars.
David Butler
Very easy to set up the appointment, warm and professional welcome - very transparent medical advice on a vaccine. They were all fabulous!
Jenny Gibson
We booked, we arrived and we had our vaccines. Everything as expected. What really stood out was the level of medical advice from the nurse giving us our injections. It was explained very clearly to us to the level of protection our vaccine would give. As this was a new vaccine the results of medical trials were also highlighted. There was no push to sell more products, just clear advice on what to avoid and what to do to prepare for our trip to the Far East.
FAQs
If you think you have been exposed to syphilis you should make a sexual health appointment. If you have developed symptoms you should book in with a doctor. If you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive but don’t have symptoms yourself, this should be with a nurse. It is also important that you abstain from sexual contact with anybody else until you have been tested and treated.
Antibiotic injections are usually the cure for syphilis. Different antibiotics in different quantities are prescribed depending on what stage of syphilis you have, so an appointment with the doctor is necessary to establish this. Follow up blood tests are recommended once the treatment has finished to make sure it has worked.
The only way to fully ensure you don’t catch syphilis is by abstaining from sexual contact completely. However, for those who are sexually active, you should always use a condom every time you engage in sexual activity (vaginal, anal and oral sex), get tested regularly for syphilis, choose less risky sexual behaviours and limit your number of sexual partners.
Absolutely. Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to have a syphilis test because syphilis can be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during pregnancy. You can safely be treated for syphilis during pregnancy with antibiotics.
Yes. Even if you have previously been successfully treated for syphilis, you can contract it again, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions in order to avoid this.
If you have been treated for syphilis,you should avoid sexual contact for 7 days after your treatment has finished. You can catch syphilis again, so it is important that any infected partners also wait until 7 days after they have finished treatment.
Untreated syphilis can become very serious. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to damage to the brain, eyes, heart, nerves, bones, joints and liver. As a result of this damage, it is possible to become paralysed, blind or develop dementia.
If you are pregnant and you leave syphilis untreated, this can result in a stillbirth or developmental harm.
