6th June 2025
There are increasing numbers of Syphilis infections in Yorkshire. Here's what you need to know: 🔵 Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause life threatening problems if not treated, including heart, brain, and nerve issues. 🔵 Syphilis often does not cause any symptoms, but can still cause harm if not treated. Symptoms can include an ulcer (usually on the penis, vulva, bottom, mouth) or more general symptoms such as a rash, raised lymph nodes, hair loss, feeling unwell. 🔵 Syphilis is very treatable with antibiotics. 🔵 It can take three months for a blood test to reliably detect whether there is a new syphilis infection, but it is important to contact the sexual health clinic before then if you think you may have symptoms of syphilis You are at higher risk of Syphilis and other STIs if you: 🔵 Have condomless sex with a new partner 🔵 Are a sex worker, or pay for sex 🔵 Share needles You can get tested for Syphilis at your GP and local sexual health clinic. The best ways to protect yourself against Syphilis and other STIs are: ✅ Use a condom or dental dam ✅ Test regularly for STIs - before and after a new partner, every 3 months if you are regularly changing partners, and at least annually for women under 25 and for men who have sex with other men ❌ Don't share needles ❌ Don't share sex toys
