Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 8/12/2021
Doctor's Notes on Syphilis in Women
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection. There are three stages of syphilis:
- In the first stage, the main symptom of syphilis in women is the formation of an ulcer (chancre), which develops 10 to 90 days after infection and is highly contagious.
- In the secondary stage, symptoms of syphilis in women include skin rash (often on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, that does not itch), hair loss, sore throat, fever, headache, and white patches in the nose, mouth, and vagina. Lesions on the genitals that look like genital warts but are not true warts may occur. The rash and lesions are highly contagious.
- In the third stage, also called the latent stage, of syphilis, the infection is present without symptoms and no longer contagious. However, problems throughout the body may occur 10 to 20 years after the initial infection including heart problems, large nodules developing in various organs of the body, infection of the brain (causing a stroke, mental confusion, meningitis, problems with sensation, or weakness), vision problems, and deafness. The damage caused in this later stage of syphilis can be severe and even fatal.
What Is the Treatment for Syphilis in Women?
Syphilis is easy to cure in its early stages with antibiotics. Long-acting penicillin administered through injection is the treatment of choice:
- A single intramuscular injection of long-acting Benzathine penicillin G will cure primary, secondary, or early latent syphilis.
- Three doses of long-acting of the medication at weekly intervals is recommended for the treatment of late latent syphilis or latent syphilis of unknown duration.
While penicillin will kill the responsible bacteria and prevent further damage, there is no treatment currently available to repair the damage that may be present in late-stage syphilis.
STD : Symptoms, Testing & List Quiz

Condoms are the best protection from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to individuals to cure disease by killing bacteria. There are over 100 antibiotics. The main classes of antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, flouroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides. Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem due to the overprescription of antibiotics to individuals. Allergic reactions to antibiotics commonly have the following symptoms shortness of breath, rash, hives, itching, swelling of the lips, face, or tongue, and fainting. -
Genital Herpes in Women
What is genital herpes? Learn about how this STD affects women, as well as how the disease is transmitted, treated, and prevented. -
Meningitis in Adults
Meningitis is an infection of the layers around the spinal cord called meninges. This potentially life-threatening condition can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungus, or reactions to medications or environmental toxins. -
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity involving the sex organs, the anus or mouth, or through contact with blood during sexual activity. Examples of STDs include, chancroid, chlamydia, gonorrhea, granuloma inguinale, lymphogranuloma venereum, syphilis, genital herpes, genital warts, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, pubic lice (crabs), and scabies.Treatment is generally with antibiotics; however, some STDs that go untreated can lead to death. -
Syphilis
Syphilis is a contagious bacterial infection transmitted most often through sexual intercourse. Flulike symptoms, body rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Late-phase syphilis attacks the heart, brain, skin, and bones. Late-stage syphilis is rare since the discovery of the antibiotic penicillin, which is used to treat this sexually transmitted disease (STD).
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.