Syphilis is a common but easily treatable sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people don’t show symptoms, making regular testing essential for early detection. At Stigma Health, we offer fast, confidential, and hassle-free syphilis testing with no awkward conversations.
Simply book your test online, visit a local pathology clinic, and get your results discreetly. If you test positive, treatment is straightforward and effective. Take control of your sexual health today.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum.
Some people mistakenly think of Syphilis as a disease of the past, but it is not. In Australia, syphilis infection cases have risen significantly. In 2017, there were 4,398 reported cases, with 85% occurring in males. Between 2013 and 2017, infections increased by 135%, with a sharper rise in females (309%) compared to males (119%).
Young adults aged 25–29 had the highest infection rates. Cases were more common in remote and very remote areas than in major cities. The infection rate among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was 6.6 times higher than in the non-Indigenous population.
From 2013 to 2017, syphilis cases increased across Australia:
In 2017, the rate of congenital syphilis (passed from mother to baby) in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was 27 times higher than in the non-Indigenous population.
Syphilis spreads through sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
Research shows the bacteria can cross the placenta as early as 9–10 weeks of pregnancy.
The risk of syphilis increases with sexual contact with an infected person, multiple sexual partners, or sex work. People who inject drugs are also at higher risk.
In Australia, syphilis rates vary by location. Infection rates are low among heterosexuals in major cities but higher among men who have sex with men, who should be screened annually.
Pregnant women are advised to undergo routine syphilis screening, as syphilis during pregnancy can be harmful to the baby.
Young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in regional and remote areas, have higher infection rates.
Nearly half of people with syphilis have no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, syphilis progresses through three stages.
Syphilis is also classified based on the duration of infection:
Late latent syphilis (>2 years): No longer infectious to sexual partners but can still be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy.
Complications include skin lesions called gummas, cardiovascular problems like an aneurysm, damage of the heart valves, or neurological-related complications like hearing/vision loss, brain damage, paralysis, spinal cord damage, and more.
Untreated syphilis can also increase the chance of getting an HIV infection and other serious health problems.
Syphilis is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, lesion testing, and blood tests.
Blood tests are the primary method for detecting secondary, latent, and tertiary syphilis. These tests fall into two categories:
Since no single test is conclusive on its own, both types are used together. During pregnancy, syphilis screening is typically done at the first antenatal visit.
Worried about syphilis infection? Get an instant referral for a syphilis test with Stigma Health—no appointment is required. You can take your referral to your choice of over 10,000 pathology collection centres across Australia.
You’ll receive your test results via phone within 2-3 business days.
Benzathine penicillin is the preferred treatment for syphilis. A single intramuscular injection of 2.4 million units is recommended for early-stage syphilis.
For patients allergic to penicillin, ceftriaxone may be an alternative, but it is more expensive and requires multiple doses.
According to a 2017 Lancet study, penicillin remains the only recommended drug for syphilis, with treatment success monitored through changes in blood test results over time.
Early detection through testing helps prevent complications, reduce transmission, and allow for prompt treatment, particularly in high-risk groups.
When non-treponemal and treponemal tests are used together, accuracy is high. However, no test is perfect, and results should always be interpreted by a healthcare provider.
Treponemal tests detect antibodies specific to Treponema pallidum. Because they are more specific and sensitive, they are used to confirm a positive screening result.
Non-treponemal tests detect antibodies that react to substances released by damaged cells. They are typically used to monitor treatment progress. Both treponemal and non-treponemal tests are used together to diagnose syphilis accurately.
A positive result indicates an infection, and your healthcare provider will discuss treatment options. Early syphilis treatment is important to prevent complications and further spread.
The frequency of testing depends on your risk factors. People with high-risk behaviours (e.g. unprotected sex, multiple sex partners) or those in high-prevalence areas should consider regular testing as their healthcare provider advises.
Some treponemal tests can remain positive even after successful treatment. When interpreting test results, your healthcare provider will consider your medical history and treatment status.
Yes. Many people with syphilis have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. Regular testing is recommended if you are sexually active, have multiple partners, or are at higher risk.
Syphilis antibodies usually appear 3 to 6 weeks after exposure. Testing too early may not detect the infection, so a follow-up test or blood sample may be needed if symptoms appear later.
