Signs and Symptoms of Syphilis in Females

The characteristic sign of syphilis is the appearance of a sore, known as a chancre, on the infected area. These sores are firm, round, and painless, though they can burst and become open and wet—which is when the infection is most contagious. Chancres are easy to mistake for pimples, ingrown hairs, or blemishes, and they often appear in hard-to-spot areas, like inside the vagina or rectum.

Chancres typically show up anywhere from three weeks to three months after exposure. The sores usually resolve on their own after a few weeks—but the syphilis infection remains in the body even after they disappear.

Left untreated, syphilis progresses to a secondary stage, which may include a body rash that spreads to the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. The rash typically doesn't itch or hurt, but it can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Headaches and muscle aches
• General fatigue

Additional sores may also appear during this stage. The rash and flu-like symptoms can resolve within weeks, but may continue to come and go for up to two years without treatment.

Without treatment, syphilis can progress to its late stage, potentially reaching the central nervous system and causing vision loss or paralysis. The infection can also damage organs or lead to tumor formation. Treatment can cure syphilis, but it cannot reverse damage that has already occurred—which is why early treatment is so important.

More on STDs: Discover the Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C in Women

Because syphilis can be difficult to detect before it progresses, regular testing is essential for anyone who is sexually active. You can get tested through a healthcare provider, a clinic, or from home with the Everlywell At-Home STD Test, which screens for syphilis along with chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C, and trichomoniasis. Be sure your partner gets tested and treated as well.

Buy At-Home Syphilis Testing

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacteria known as Treponema pallidum [2]. The bacteria spreads primarily via vaginal and anal sex. Transmission via oral sex is rare, but it’s possible. Syphilis can infect the genitals and anus and sometimes the lips and mouth.

Learn more: How to Test for Syphilis in Women

Syphilis spreads via direct sexual skin-to-skin contact, and it does not require the transfer of sexual fluids. However, syphilis can’t spread through casual contact, so it can’t spread by sharing food or drinks, holding hands, hugging, or sharing towels. Even if you have the bacterial infection on the lips or mouth, you can’t spread it through coughing or sneezing. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t get syphilis from sitting on a toilet seat.