Early Symptoms of Syphilis in Women
Disease description:
Recently, I’ve read many news reports about syphilis and have become worried that I might have contracted it. Syphilis appears to be incurable, which is quite frightening. Could you please tell me what the early symptoms of syphilis are in women?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Liu Yong
Hello, syphilis is a systemic sexually transmitted infection caused by *Treponema pallidum*. Both men and women can contract syphilis. In women, primary syphilis typically manifests 2–4 weeks after infection with *Treponema pallidum*, commonly at the site of contact—such as the labia majora and minora, frenulum of the labia, perineum, or cervix—and presents as a hard chancre.
The characteristic progression begins with a small, localized erythematous macule, which rapidly evolves into a painless inflammatory papule. Within several days, this develops into a firm indurated nodule, followed by central necrosis forming a small, round or oval ulcer. These ulcers are typically painless and non-pruritic, with well-demarcated borders; their edges are often slightly elevated, and they may exude a small amount of serous fluid. Without treatment, the lesion usually resolves spontaneously within 3–4 weeks. In some cases, regional lymphadenopathy may also occur. All of these features constitute the clinical manifestations of primary syphilis.
We hope the above information is helpful to you. Wishing you a pleasant and healthy life!
