Syphilis in women

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is not always immediately recognised in women. The first symptoms are often mild or located in hard-to-see areas, such as the vagina or cervix. This can cause an infection to go unnoticed for a long time.

Precisely because syphilis is treatable in an early stage, it is important to take a possible infection seriously. Have you had unprotected sex or does a sexual partner have syphilis? Then a test is advisable, even if you have no symptoms.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The infection is usually transmitted through unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex.

After an infection, syphilis develops in different stages. Without treatment, the bacterium can spread throughout the body and cause serious long-term health problems.

Symptoms of syphilis in women

The first symptoms usually appear a few weeks after an infection. The most well-known symptom is a painless sore at the site where the bacterium entered the body.

In women, this sore can occur on:

• The labia.
• The vagina.
• The cervix.
• The anus.
• The mouth.

Because the sore is often painless and sometimes not visible, it is frequently missed.

Symptoms in a later stage

If syphilis is not treated, other symptoms may appear several weeks or months later.

Common complaints include:

• Skin rash.
• Fever.
• Swollen lymph nodes.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Small bald patches on the head.

These symptoms sometimes disappear on their own, but the infection remains present without treatment.

Can you have syphilis without symptoms?

Yes. Especially when the first sore is not noticed, syphilis can remain present unnoticed.

Even after symptoms disappear, this does not mean that the infection has been cured. Therefore, testing is important after a possible risk moment.

When should you get tested?

A syphilis test is recommended when:

• You have had unprotected sex.
• A sexual partner has tested positive for syphilis.
• You have a sore or skin rash that may be consistent with syphilis.
• You have had multiple sexual partners.
• You want certainty after a possible risk moment.

Even without symptoms, a test can be advisable.

How is syphilis tested in women?

Syphilis is usually diagnosed with a blood test. If a sore is present, a doctor may perform additional tests.

The blood is examined for antibodies against the bacterium that causes syphilis.

How is the treatment carried out?

When syphilis is diagnosed, the infection can be treated with antibiotics.

The sooner treatment starts, the smaller the chance of permanent damage. It is important to complete the treatment and attend any follow-up appointments.

Complications of untreated syphilis

Without treatment, syphilis can develop further.

In a later stage, the infection can cause damage to:

• The nervous system.
• The heart and blood vessels.
• The brain.
• Other organs.

These complications are rare nowadays because syphilis is usually detected and treated earlier.

Syphilis during pregnancy

A syphilis infection during pregnancy requires extra attention. The bacterium can be transmitted to the unborn child.

Therefore, during pregnancy, it is routinely checked whether there are indications of a syphilis infection. If the infection is discovered in time, treatment can significantly reduce the risks for mother and baby.

Frequently asked questions about syphilis in women

What is the first symptom of syphilis in women?

Usually, a painless sore first appears on or around the genitals, vagina, cervix or anus.

Can you have syphilis without symptoms?

Yes. Especially when the first sore is not visible, an infection sometimes goes unnoticed.

Is syphilis dangerous?

Without treatment, syphilis can cause serious health problems. With timely treatment, these complications can usually be prevented.

Can syphilis affect a pregnancy?

Yes. Therefore, it is important to treat an infection during pregnancy as soon as possible.

Can I get re-infected?

Yes. A previous infection does not provide lasting protection against a new infection.

Get tested in time

Because syphilis in women does not always cause clear symptoms, a test is often the only way to diagnose an infection. Have you been at risk or are you unsure about a possible infection? Then a syphilis test provides clarity quickly, so that any treatment can be started in time.