What are syphilis Self tests?

Syphilis self tests are used to screen for and diagnose syphilis. Syphilis is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). It is a bacterial infection that spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sexual contact with someone who has the infection. It can also pass during pregnancy to the fetus.

Syphilis usually develops in stages. Each stage has different signs and symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or even years. In the beginning, the signs and symptoms may be mild. You may not notice them. So, you could have syphilis and not know it. You could pass the infection to someone else.

Why do I need a syphilis test?

You should get tested for syphilis if you have symptoms of syphilis or if your sexual partner was recently diagnosed with syphilis. Symptoms usually appear about two to three weeks after infection and include:

• Small, painless sore (chancre) on the genitals, or in the mouth, anus, or rectum
• Rough, red rash, usually on the palms of the hands or the bottom of the feet
• Fever
• Headacheor muscle aches
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Hair lossin patches

Even if you don’t have symptoms, you should get tested regularly if you have a high risk for getting syphilis. You’re more likely to get syphilis if you have:

• Multiple sex partners
• A partner with multiple sex partners
• Unprotected sex (sex without using a condom)
• An HIV infectionand are sexually active
• Another sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea
• Sex with men who have sex with men (MSM)