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Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by bacteria and is spread during sex, including oral sex.

What are the symptoms?

Half of people infected with syphilis show no symptoms. Of those who do get symptoms, the most common things are ulcers (‘sores’) on the genitals or mouth, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes (‘glands’). However, sometimes someone with syphilis shows no symptoms and it is only picked up on a blood test.

If left untreated, syphillis can lead to serious health problems, eg damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.

Syphilis can be easily diagnosed and treated with antibiotics. But if left untreated, syphillis can lead to serious health problems, eg damage to the heart, brain and nervous system.

Find out more about syphilis.

Getting tested

If you are worried that you have an STI, you can get tested at your nearest clinic. You can find contact details at:

Genitourinary Medicine (GUM)/Sexual Health Clinics in Northern Ireland.

You can also find out more about sexual health services in your area at:

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