Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems if left untreated. Regular testing is therefore crucial, especially if you’ve had risky encounters. But when exactly should you get tested for syphilis? In this blog, we provide a clear answer so you know when it’s wise to get tested.
1. Testing after unprotected sexual contact
Have you had unprotected sex with a new or multiple partners? This is one of the most common situations where a syphilis test is recommended. Syphilis can be transmitted through any form of sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Even if you don’t have symptoms, the infection can be present and cause damage unnoticed.
2. Testing after syphilis symptoms appear
Syphilis progresses through several stages, and the symptoms can vary greatly. Symptoms often start with a painless sore on or around the genitals, anus, or mouth. These sores heal on their own, but the infection remains in your body and can continue to develop.
Read our blog on how to recognize the first symptoms of syphilis to know what to look for. If you think you have symptoms, it’s important to get tested as soon as possible.
3. Testing if your partner has tested positive for syphilis
If your (sexual) partner has tested positive for syphilis, it’s important that you get tested as well, even if you don’t have symptoms. Syphilis is highly contagious in its early stages, and you may have been infected without showing any symptoms.
4. Testing after risky situations or uncertainty
Sometimes, you’re unsure if you’ve been at risk. Maybe you had sex with a partner whose sexual history is unclear, or you’re not certain that protection was used correctly. In such cases, it’s a good idea to get tested. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
5. Testing during pregnancy
If you’re pregnant, testing for syphilis is often part of routine screening. This is important because syphilis can cause serious complications for both the mother and the baby. Regular screening during pregnancy is essential to treat any infections early.
6. When is a test reliable?
The incubation period for syphilis is typically 3 to 4 weeks. This means the infection may not be detectable until after this period. It’s advisable to wait until this time has passed after unprotected contact before taking a test. If you’ve been tested before and are still at risk, consider testing again after the incubation period.
Want to know how reliable a syphilis self-test is? Read our blog on the reliability of syphilis self-tests.
7. Do the syphilis self-test easily at home
Want to get tested for syphilis quickly and discreetly? With the syphilis self-test from The Tester, you can easily do it at home. The test is reliable, user-friendly, and provides results within minutes.
Protect your health and test regularly, especially if you are at higher risk of STIs like syphilis. Don’t wait too long to get tested; the sooner an infection is detected, the sooner treatment can begin.
