Syphilis is a curable bacterial infection, though, if left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your body over time. Better2Know provides private Syphilis testing throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with same or next day availability six days a week.

Syphilis Symptoms

Symptoms of Syphilis may vary depending on the infected person, and can include:

  • A visible sore or ulcer, known as a Chancre. This is usually found externally on the penis, vagina or anus, but can also be found in the mouth.
  • Skin growths that may be similar to Genital Warts.
  • White patches in or around the mouth.
  • Fever, sore throat, swollen glands, muscle aches or headaches.
  • A non-itching rash on the palms of the hands or bottoms of the feet.

Syphilis Stages

There are three stages of a Syphilis infection: Primary, Secondary and Latent. The symptoms associated with these stages are as follows:

  • Primary stage: This is identified by a visible Syphilis Chancre, as described above.
  • Secondary stage: This stage can consist of symptoms such as hair loss, fever, swollen glands, sore throat, rashes, headaches and muscle aches.
  • Latent stage: There is usually a latent period where symptoms seem to disappear; if left untreated this stage can lead to damage to your internal organs including the brain, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones and joints.

Syphilis can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. This includes vaginal, anal, oral and penile contact. It is often passed on through direct contact with a Syphilis Chancre. If left undiagnosed and untreated, Syphilis can lead to serious health complications as described in the Latent stage above.

Expectant mothers can also experience troubled pregnancies with miscarriages, premature births or stillbirths. The infection can delay your child’s development as well as causing issues such as deformities and seizures. Though rare, if Syphilis is left undiagnosed and untreated in infants, the infection will develop to the latent stage and cause damage to their bones, teeth, eyes, ears and brain.

Better2Know Syphilis Testing Options

Better2Know’s private STI testing services are performed in line with the highest international standards of quality. We offer individual Syphilis tests, as well as a selection of extensive STI screens that will detect Syphilis and various other sexually transmitted infections. This will give you a comprehensive view of your sexual health.

Better2Know’s suggested screens:

How does Instant testing work?

Better2Know’s popular Instant testing service provides swift STI results for six common infections: HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. With this discreet testing option, you will receive your results within 30 minutes of giving your samples.

Your Instant Syphilis test will require a single finger prick blood sample, making this test ideal for those with a fear of needles. If your Instant screen includes Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea testing, a swab sample will also be taken.

Once you have provided your samples, your private nurse will perform the pathology whilst you wait in the clinic. Upon completion, you will be given a Better2Know Rapid Test Results form that outlines your results, and prescriptions will be given immediately for positive Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea infections.

If your test is reactive for a blood-borne STI such as Syphilis, Better2Know will conduct confirmatory testing. Should your secondary test also prove positive, our trained advisors will refer you to a specialised service for further advice and treatment. For positive Syphilis tests, we will arrange a private doctor’s consultation where you can discuss your diagnosis and receive a prescription for the required medication.

Syphilis Misconceptions

There are many inaccurate perceptions about sexually transmitted infections. Some common myths surrounding Syphilis are:

Syphilis is incurable: This is a common misconception as Syphilis is curable with a prescribed course of antibiotics. Following the completion of your treatment, further Syphilis tests may still show a positive result. This is because your test is detecting the presence of antibodies, specific to the Syphilis infection in your system.

Oral sex cannot transmit Syphilis: You can transmit or contract Syphilis through oral sex with an infected person, especially if you come into contact with a present Chancre during this encounter. You and your partner are particularly vulnerable if you have cuts or sores in or around the mouth and genital area.

Treatment for Syphilis will negatively impact my pregnancy or harm my unborn child: Prescribed medication for Syphilis is completely safe and will not harm your baby. It is more dangerous for your child’s health to leave a Syphilis infection untreated, as it can cause complications during pregnancy or birth.

Better2Know’s private STI testing services adhere strictly to the sexual health regulations in the UAE. Therefore, you may be required to produce a form of personal identification at your appointment. If you are worried about your sexual health, or would just like a general check-up, it is important to get tested now to prevent the development of other health complications.

Book your Syphilis test today

To book your Syphilis test with Better2Know today, please contact our experienced sexual health advisory team on the phone number above. You can also arrange your appointment online; simply select the Book Now button above and you will be directed to our online booking system.

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0207 099 0955

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