Test Early, Protect Your Long-Term Health
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It can lead to serious health complications if it is not treated.
Syphilis develops in stages and often starts with mild or easily missed symptoms, so early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent long-term damage.
In Singapore, syphilis was among the 3 most commonly reported STIs in 2018.
| Sexually Transmitted Infection | Number of Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| Chlamydia | 2,719 |
| Gonorrhoea | 2,051 |
| Syphilis | 1,441 |
| Genital Warts | 935 |
| Genital Herpes | 878 |
Source: National Skin Centre
Syphilis develops in progressive stages, and each phase presents different signs that may vary in severity or visibility. Some individuals may not notice symptoms, allowing the infection to persist unnoticed.
The earliest sign of syphilis is typically a small, round, and painless sore known as a
chancre.
It usually appears between 10 days and
3 months after exposure,
with an average incubation period of about 21 days.
The sore develops at the site where the bacteria entered the body, such as the genitals, rectum, or mouth.
Although a chancre may heal on its own within 3 to 6 weeks, this does not indicate that the infection has
been resolved.
At this point, the infection spreads throughout the body, often causing a widespread rash
that can develop on the palms, soles, or other areas.
These rashes are generally not itchy. Moist, raised lesions may appear in areas like the mouth,
genitals, or throat.
Other symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, fatigue, and
patchy hair loss.
These symptoms may disappear without treatment, but the infection remains active.
During the latent phase, no visible symptoms are present, but the bacteria continue to reside in the body. This stage can last for years and may go unnoticed without testing. If untreated, the condition can progress to a more dangerous phase.
This stage may develop years or even decades after the initial infection if syphilis remains untreated. It is marked by serious complications, which can include:
Noticed a painless sore or an unexplained rash? A blood test can check for syphilis antibodies. Book a consultation to discuss testing.
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Testing for syphilis typically involves a blood test that detects antibodies
(proteins produced by the immune system to fight infection) in response to Treponema
pallidum.
If visible signs such as sores are present, a swab or physical examination may also be performed.
At our clinics, sample collection for syphilis testing generally takes less than 30 minutes
if performed during off-peak hours. Contact us to find out the best time to schedule your appointment to
reduce waiting.
Results are typically ready within 2 to 4 working days. We will notify you once they are
ready for review.
Yes, syphilis can be fully cured, especially when identified and treated in its early stages. While treatment can eliminate the infection and prevent further complications, it may not reverse damage that has already occurred during the later stages of the disease.
Treatment for syphilis typically involves antibiotics, with the dosage and schedule depending on the stage of infection and whether complications are present. It is important to complete the full course of prescribed treatment and refrain from sexual activity until follow-up blood tests confirm that the infection has been fully cleared.
| Syphilis Stage | Typical Treatment |
|---|---|
| Primary or Secondary Stage | One injection of penicillin |
| Latent or Late Stage | Three injections of penicillin (one per week) |
| Neurosyphilis | Intravenous (IV) penicillin for 10 to 14 days |
At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer confidential and prompt testing and treatment for syphilis and other STIs. Our pricing is as follows:
| Test / Treatment | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Syphilis Antibody Blood Test (Syphilis TP Ab) | $21.80 |
| STD Screening Packages | |
|
Safe Screen 1 (3 tests) – Blood Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B
|
$58 |
|
Safe Screen 2 (4 tests) – Blood Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
|
$98 |
|
Safe Screen 3 (6 tests) – Blood Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2
|
$148 |
|
Essential (8 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia PCR, Gonorrhoea PCR
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia PCR, Gonorrhoea PCR
|
$288 |
|
Complete Female STD Screen (15 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Monilia / Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis
HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Monilia / Candida, Gardnerella Vaginosis
|
$478 |
|
Genital Ulcer PCR Testing (7 tests) – Swab Test
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus
|
$318 |
|
Enhanced Genital Ulcer Testing (18 tests) – Blood + Swab Test
Blood: HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C Ulcer PCR Swab: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus Genital Swab: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum
Blood: HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C
Ulcer PCR Swab: Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Haemophilus Ducreyi (Chancroid), Cytomegalovirus, Lymphogranuloma Venereum, Treponema Pallidum (Syphilis), Varicella Zoster Virus Genital Swab: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Trichomonas, Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum |
$538 |
| Treatment | |
| Antibiotics Injection (1 Dose) | $81.75 |
| Antibiotics Injection (3 Doses) | $212.55 |
*All prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
We offer same-day appointments for STD screening, with female doctors available.
As a licensed medical clinic, we provide confidential care in a respectful environment.
You can speak openly about your sexual health with our doctors, without fear or assumptions about your lifestyle or history.