What should you know about female syphilis?

Syphilis can enter through sexual contact and develop in stages. An early sore may be painless and can occur on the vulva, vagina, cervix, mouth, or around the anus, so it may go unnoticed. A later rash can affect the palms or soles, with swollen glands, fever, sore throat, or tiredness. Symptoms may fade while the infection remains present. A test is needed because appearance alone cannot confirm or exclude syphilis.

During pregnancy, untreated infection can pass to the baby and cause serious complications. Tell a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or have had sexual contact with someone diagnosed with syphilis.

Arrange confidential testing through [STI Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/sti-screening/) if you have a sore, rash, a partner with syphilis, or a new sexual-health concern. Testing may involve a blood sample and assessment of any lesion. If diagnosed, take the prescribed [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) exactly as directed and attend follow-up testing.

Avoid sexual contact until your clinician says it is appropriate, and do not share medication. Recent partners may need testing and treatment even when they feel well. Use condoms or dental dams to reduce transmission risk, while remembering that uncovered skin sores can still spread infection.

Seek prompt medical care for a new genital, mouth, or anal sore; an unexplained rash on the palms or soles; or known exposure. Seek urgent help for severe headache, vision changes, hearing changes, confusion, weakness, or difficulty walking, because syphilis can sometimes affect the nervous system or eyes. Pregnancy with possible exposure also warrants prompt assessment.

Ask which tests you need, whether a partner should be contacted, when sexual contact can safely resume, and what follow-up is required. If pregnant, ask how treatment and monitoring protect the pregnancy.