What should you know about syphilis on the vagina?

Syphilis is a bacterial infection passed mainly through sexual contact. A sore can form on the vulva, vaginal opening or inside the vagina after contact with an infectious area. It may be painless and easy to miss, especially when it is internal. A clinician can examine the skin and mucosa and choose blood testing or a sample from a lesion when suitable.

A sore does not identify its cause by itself. Herpes, friction, an ingrown hair, thrush-related irritation and other conditions may also cause genital discomfort or changes. Syphilis can progress or become less noticeable without treatment, so a disappearing sore still deserves assessment when exposure is possible.

Contact a sexual-health clinic, GP or gynaecology service for confidential advice. Avoid vaginal, anal and oral sex until you have been assessed and told when contact is safe. Do not douche or apply unprescribed creams, as these can irritate tissue and make examination harder. If syphilis is diagnosed, follow the antibiotic plan precisely and ask how follow-up will be arranged. Partners may need confidential notification and testing. STI Screening provides information about testing, and Antibiotic Treatment covers prescription treatment.

Seek prompt assessment for a new genital sore, unusual vaginal lesion or painless change after sexual contact. Get urgent help for severe pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, inability to pass urine, eye pain or vision change, confusion, weakness or a severe headache. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, because syphilis can cross the placenta and requires timely care.

Ask whether the lesion needs an examination or sample, which blood tests fit the timing of exposure, whether other STI tests are advisable, when sex can resume, how partners will be contacted, and which changes should trigger an earlier review.