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Syphilis
Syphilis is transmitted through unprotected sex. If you think you might have syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease, it is advisable to book an appointment with a dermatovenereologist to determine whether there is an infection.
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Specialist in the article
Infektiosairauksien ja sisätautien erikoislääkäri
Basic facts about syphilis
- Syphilis is more common among men than women.
- Syphilis is detected with a blood test and it can be treated with penicillin injections.
- Untreated syphilis becomes latent, in which case the patient is asymptomatic.
- Some untreated patients develop symptoms of tertiary syphilis even years after infection.
Symptoms of syphilis
About 3–4 weeks after a syphilis infection, a painless ulcer will appear at the site of infection, usually in the penis, labia, vagina, anus, rectum or oral mucosa and it will heal spontaneously within a few weeks. It is possible that the ulcer will go unnoticed by the infected person. In most cases, no other symptoms occur at this stage.
About 6–8 weeks after infection, the infection is commonly manifested as a small spotted rash (roseola). Syphilids with a diameter of a few millimetres may appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. On mucous membranes, they can resemble giant condylomas. The rash lasts from a few weeks to a few months, during which the risk of transmitting the infection to another person is the greatest.
Other symptoms of syphilis at this stage include:
- increased body temperature and fever
- nausea
- enlarged lymph nodes
- hair loss
Untreated syphilis becomes latent, in which case the patient is asymptomatic. Some untreated patients may develop late-onset symptoms even years after infection, i.e. skin symptoms and damage to the circulatory system and mucous membranes. If untreated for a long time, syphilis can also cause neurological symptoms and lesions in the central nervous system.
Treatment of syphilis
If you think you may have a syphilis infection, it is advisable to study the possibility of infection with a laboratory test. Syphilis is detected with a blood test.
Syphilis can be treated with penicillin injections. Penicillin is administered for a few weeks, during which the spread of syphilis stops and the bacteria disappears from the body.
Book an appointmentPrices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 122,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 122,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 140,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
More information about sexually transmitted diseases
Chlamydia
The most common sexually transmitted infection in Finland. Almost all chlamydia infections are asymptomatic.
Condyloma or genital warts
Are warts that typically develop in the genital area of women and men. They are caused by the human papillomavirus.
Genital herpes
The most common cause of genital ulcers. In most cases, the symptoms appear 4–14 days after infection. Can also be asymptomatic.
Gonorrhoea
Is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted through unprotected sex.
HIV and AIDS
The HIV virus causes a permanent infection that slowly destroys the human immune system.
Mycoplasma genitalium
Is a sexually transmitted bacterium that causes an inflammation with symptoms that resemble chlamydia.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Are transmitted through unprotected sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases should always be treated as early as possible.
Other related services
Frequently asked questions about syphilis
About 3–4 weeks after a syphilis infection, a painless ulcer will appear at the site of infection, usually in the penis, labia, vagina, anus, rectum or oral mucosa. The would will heal spontaneously within a few weeks and it is possible that the ulcer will go unnoticed by the infected person. About 6–8 weeks after infection, the infection is commonly manifested as a rash that will last from a few weeks to a few months. Other potential symptoms include increased body temperature and fever, nausea, enlarged lymph nodes and hair loss. If left untreated, syphilis can cause late-onset symptoms years after infection.
The first stage of syphilis can go unnoticed if a painless ulcer appears in an area where it is difficult to see. Untreated syphilis becomes latent, in which case the patient is asymptomatic.
Some untreated patients may develop late-onset symptoms even years after infection, i.e. skin symptoms and damage to the circulatory system and mucous membranes. If untreated for a long time, syphilis can also cause neurological symptoms.
If you think you may have a gonorrhoea infection, it is advisable to study the possibility of infection with a laboratory test. Syphilis is detected with a blood test.
Syphilis can be treated with penicillin injections. Penicillin is administered for a few weeks, during which the spread of syphilis stops and the disease disappears from the body.
