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
Charles Lee
Fleet Street were excellent. Saw me at short notice and provided a good diagnosis of my condition. Their prescriptions were on the money because my infected ear began to clear up soon afterwards.
Kim London
Prompt access to knowledgeable and sympathetic advice and a reliable recommendation that will make me feel like 'a new woman'. What a relief! Thank you Dr Griffiths.
Vlad Cochintoiu
Had a great experience booking and getting a last minute rapid rabies jab with Fleet Street Clinic! They even booked me in out of hours for my jab because it was the only way to do it before my travels! Thank you to everyone who assisted me.
Nicola Mulgrew
We went to the clinic to get travel vaccines. We were on an incredibly tight schedule, only in London for the one day, and we were seen with no issues. Later, I ordered anti-malarials by email and received them the next day! Amazing service. Highly recommend.
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.
Mr Mark Coffer
Dr Cave always delivers a compelling and thorough medical examination whilst retaining a good sense of humour and a reassuring manner. You could do no better than the Fleet Street Clinic for your MOT.
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.
Connie
After I was let down with little notice by another pharmacy, I called Fleet Street Clinic and was booked in for the next day for my remaining travel jabs. Staff were very welcoming, professional and efficient. I had a great experience and would highly recommend using their travel vaccination services. The prices are very competitive and they had stock of the rabies vaccine when it was out of stock elsewhere!
Grace G
The travel nurse was lovely and very efficient with giving me vaccines. She even took the time to nurse a wound I had whilst I was there. Really great care.
Shaveta Gupta
Very professional, easy to book the appointment over the phone, all queries were answered straight away with assuring answers by the receptionist, competitive prices, nurse was very polite and informative too. Highly recommended.
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.
