This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be found with a blood test and cured with treatment from a clinician. It also has a reputation for being confusing, because the signs can be faint, can come and go, and can look like other conditions.

This guide covers how syphilis works, what the stages look like, how testing is done, and what treatment and follow-up involve. It also covers what the numbers look like in Broward County and where free or low-cost testing is available in Fort Lauderdale.

You do not need to be afraid of this topic. Syphilis can affect people of any gender, orientation or background, and it is a routine part of sexual health care.

A note on format: this is a science-focused deep dive. Syphilis has no "ingredients" in the product sense, so the sections below look at the organism that causes it, what research observes about it, how treatment is made safe, and how to judge the quality of the care and testing you receive.

What causes syphilis: the organism behind it

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called Treponema pallidum. It is a thin, spiral-shaped organism. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) describe it as spreading through direct contact with a syphilis sore, most often during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

It can also pass from a pregnant person to a baby during pregnancy. This is called congenital syphilis, and it is the main reason prenatal screening matters.

Because it is a bacterium, syphilis responds to antibiotics. That is the central scientific fact behind the question many people ask: is syphilis curable? Yes. The CDC says syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotic from a clinician. Treatment stops the infection from progressing. It cannot undo damage that has already happened to organs in late disease, which is one reason earlier testing helps.

Research on the organism has shown something useful for testing. T. pallidum cannot be grown easily in a lab dish, so doctors rarely "culture" it. Instead, diagnosis usually relies on blood tests that look for the body's response to the bacterium. We cover those below.

The stages of syphilis

The CDC describes syphilis in stages. Not everyone moves through each stage in a neat order, and many people never notice the early signs. A clinician and a test are the only ways to know what is going on.

Primary stage: a sore at the site of contact

The first sign is usually a sore called a chancre. The CDC says it is typically firm, round and painless. It appears where the bacterium entered the body, which can be the genitals, anus, rectum or mouth.

Because it does not hurt, it can go unnoticed, especially if it is inside the body. The CDC notes the sore heals on its own in a few weeks, even without treatment. Healing does not mean the infection is gone.

Secondary stage: syphilis rash and other body-wide signs

This stage is where many people first notice syphilis symptoms. The most recognized sign is a syphilis rash. The CDC describes it as rough, reddish-brown spots that can appear on the chest and trunk, and often on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It usually does not itch.

The rash can be faint. It can also look like many other skin conditions, such as reactions to medicines or viral rashes. The CDC says the rash may appear while a primary sore is healing or weeks after.

Other signs of the secondary stage, according to the CDC, can include:

Fever
Swollen lymph glands
Sore throat
Patchy hair loss
Headaches and muscle aches
Tiredness and weight loss
Wart-like patches in warm, moist areas of the body

Like the first sore, these signs go away on their own, with or without treatment. That is part of why a rash that fades does not tell you whether the infection is still present.

Latent stage: no signs, but the bacterium is still there

After the secondary stage, the CDC describes a latent stage with no visible signs. Syphilis in this stage can only be found with a blood test. Latent syphilis can last for years. A clinician may describe it as early or late latent depending on how long ago the infection likely began.

Tertiary stage: late complications

Without treatment, a minority of people go on to develop late complications years or decades later. The CDC says these can affect the heart, blood vessels, brain and nervous system, and other organs.

This stage is uncommon with modern care, and it is the main reason clinicians encourage testing even when someone feels well.

Syphilis that reaches the nerves, eyes or ears

The CDC guidelines note that the bacterium can reach the nervous system, the eyes or the ears at any stage. Signs can include severe headache, vision changes, hearing changes or dizziness. Anyone with these symptoms and a possible exposure should tell a clinician right away, so the right evaluation can happen.

Why the national rise matters

The CDC has reported that syphilis cases have risen in the United States over many years, including an increase in congenital syphilis, where the infection passes to a baby. The CDC and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) both treat this as a reason to make testing easier and more routine.

Why does a national trend matter in Fort Lauderdale? Because syphilis is easy to miss. If a sore is painless and a rash fades, a person can carry the infection for a long time without knowing. When testing is not routine, infections are found later, and more people are exposed in the meantime.

For readers who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the stakes are higher. The CDC says untreated syphilis in pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby, but timely treatment with penicillin can prevent congenital syphilis in most cases.

Syphilis in Fort Lauderdale and Florida: what the data show

Local numbers help put the issue in context. Two caveats come first. The figures below come from secondary reports of CDC surveillance data, and they cover different years. Treat them as a rough picture, not a precise comparison.

Broward County, 2021: 28.9 cases of primary and secondary syphilis per 100,000 people, or 559 cases, according to a 352today/Stacker report citing CDC 2021 county data (published March 2024).
Florida, 2023: 19.3 cases of primary and secondary syphilis per 100,000 people, or 4,366 cases, according to testing.com's Florida directory citing CDC 2023 surveillance data.

These figures count only primary and secondary syphilis. They do not include latent or congenital cases. I could not find recent Broward County figures for congenital syphilis in the sources I reviewed, so for current local numbers, check with the Florida Department of Health in Broward County.

Florida law also shapes how syphilis care works. Under Fla. Stat. 384.25, anyone who diagnoses or treats a sexually transmissible disease, and any laboratory with a positive result, must report it to the Florida Department of Health. This is routine public health reporting. It is how the health department tracks trends and arranges partner notification services. It is not a public notice.

Syphilis testing: how blood tests work

Most syphilis testing in clinics is done with a blood sample. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) describe two families of blood tests. Usually both are needed to understand a result.

Non-treponemal tests

These tests, such as the RPR and VDRL, look for substances the body makes in response to damage caused by the infection. They are not specific to T. pallidum, so other conditions can occasionally cause a reactive result. That is why a second type of test is used to confirm.

Their strength is that they produce a number called a titer. The titer is a ratio, such as 1:8 or 1:32. Clinicians use it to follow how the body responds to treatment over time.

Treponemal tests

These tests look for antibodies made specifically against T. pallidum. Examples include the TP-PA, the FTA-ABS and several immunoassays. The CDC says they are more specific, and they usually stay positive for life, even after successful treatment.

This surprises many people. A treponemal test staying reactive after treatment is expected. It does not mean treatment failed. A clinician will use the non-treponemal titer to follow your response.

Traditional and reverse testing

Laboratories use one of two sequences. The traditional approach starts with a non-treponemal test and confirms with a treponemal one. The reverse approach starts with a treponemal test and then uses a non-treponemal test. The CDC describes both as acceptable. If your first two results seem to disagree, a clinician may order a further treponemal test. That is a normal part of the process.

Timing: when a test can detect syphilis

Antibodies take time to develop, so a test very soon after an exposure may not show a result yet. The CDC guidelines discuss this timing, and the right window depends on the person and the test. Ask the clinician to explain when a repeat test makes sense for you. This guide does not give a window period beyond what a clinician can confirm for your situation.

Who is advised to get tested

The USPSTF recommends syphilis screening for people at increased risk, and for all pregnant people. The CDC guidelines add that people with a partner who has syphilis, people with HIV, and people taking PrEP are among those who should be screened regularly. A clinician can tell you how often is right for you. Only a test can show whether you have an infection.

In Florida, prenatal testing is built into the system. According to Fla. Stat. 384.31 and Rule 64D-3.042 of the Florida Administrative Code, testing for syphilis, HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea and hepatitis B is part of prenatal care. The rule calls for it at the first prenatal exam and again at 28 to 32 weeks of pregnancy. A pregnant person can decline in writing.

Is syphilis curable? Syphilis treatment explained

Yes. The CDC says syphilis is curable. The standard syphilis treatment in the CDC guidelines is penicillin, a long-established antibiotic given by a clinician. The form, number of visits and length of treatment depend on the stage of infection. Only a clinician can decide that, so this page does not list amounts or schedules.

What research suggests about penicillin

Research over many decades suggests that T. pallidum has stayed sensitive to penicillin. This is unusual among bacteria, and it is why penicillin remains the preferred treatment in the CDC guidelines. In pregnancy, the CDC says penicillin is the only recommended treatment for preventing congenital syphilis.

People with later-stage infection, or with signs involving the nerves, eyes or ears, may need a different course arranged by a clinician. This is one reason an accurate stage assessment matters.

Safety profile and contraindications

Penicillin has a long safety record, and most people tolerate it well. A few points are worth knowing:

Penicillin allergy. Tell the clinician about any past reaction. The CDC says many people who believe they are allergic are not, and allergy evaluation can be done. In pregnancy, the CDC recommends that people with a confirmed penicillin allergy be desensitized and then treated with penicillin, rather than switched to another drug.
Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. Within the first day after treatment, some people have fever, chills, headache and aches. The CDC describes this as a short-lived reaction and not an allergy. It happens as the body responds to the bacteria being killed. People who are pregnant should ask their clinician what to watch for.
Alternatives. If penicillin cannot be used outside pregnancy, a clinician may choose another antibiotic. Do not start or stop any medicine on your own.
Medicines from other sources. Antibiotics leftover from other illnesses will not treat syphilis reliably and can hide symptoms and make test results harder to read.

Treatment does not create immunity

Being treated once does not protect against getting syphilis again. The CDC says reinfection is possible. That is another reason clinicians may suggest repeat testing if a new exposure happens.

Follow-up blood tests after treatment

Treatment is not the end of the story. The CDC guidelines recommend follow-up blood tests to confirm that treatment worked. A clinician will repeat a non-treponemal test, the one with the titer, at intervals set out in the guidelines. For early syphilis, those checks are spread across the first year, and people living with HIV may be checked more often.

The goal is to see the titer fall. The CDC describes success as a sustained drop in the titer over time. If it does not fall as expected, a clinician will look at why and may suggest further evaluation or more treatment. A treponemal test is not used for this monitoring because it usually stays positive.

Attending those follow-up visits is the main thing you can do to make sure the infection is gone.

Partners and notification

The CDC recommends that recent sexual partners be evaluated, and sometimes treated, even if their tests are not yet positive. Under Fla. Stat. 384.27, some licensed practitioners in Florida may provide expedited partner therapy in certain situations. This applies when a patient has a lab-confirmed or suspected diagnosis, has a recent partner, and indicates the partner is unlikely to get care in a timely way. Ask the clinician whether it applies in your case.

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County offers confidential counseling and partner notification at its STI clinic. This can help you reach partners without having to tell them yourself.

Doxycycline after sex: what the 2024 CDC update says

In 2024 the CDC issued guidance on doxycycline taken after sex, often called doxy-PEP. Research from randomized trials suggests it can lower the chance of syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea in certain groups. The CDC guidance considers it for gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, and for transgender women, who have had a bacterial STI in the past year.

It is a prescription option, not a replacement for regular testing. A clinician decides whether it fits your situation and explains how to use it. Doxy-PEP does not prevent HIV and is not effective against every infection.

Sourcing and quality: how to judge care and testing

For an ingredient or supplement, quality means sourcing. For syphilis care, it means where testing and treatment come from. These indicators suggest you are getting reliable care:

The test is run by a licensed clinic or lab. The CDC guidelines assume testing and result reading happen with a clinician involved, because two tests are often needed.
A clinician explains your result and the stage. This matters most when results look mixed.
Treatment comes with a follow-up plan. A reliable provider will tell you when to come back for repeat blood tests.
The clinic follows public health reporting rules. Reporting to the Florida Department of Health is required by law, as noted above.
The source is public and verifiable. Health departments and the CDC's own directory are good places to start.

Where to get tested in Fort Lauderdale

Several options in and around the city offer testing. Here is what each lists. Details can change, so confirm by phone before you go.

Broward Wellness Center (DOH-Broward free walk-in STI clinic): 750 SE 3rd Ave., 1st Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The Florida Department of Health in Broward County lists free walk-in testing, diagnosis and treatment, including no-cost chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV testing. Hours are listed as Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed weekends. Visitors are asked to sign in one hour before closing. Some versions of the health department's pages list different hours, so call 954-767-0273 first. The STD Line is 954-298-6585.
Fort Lauderdale Health Center (DOH-Broward): 2421 SW 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, phone 954-467-4700. The CDC's NPIN directory lists free STI and HIV tests there, with an appointment required. It lists hours of Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and says HIV testing hours vary, so call ahead.
Care Resource Fort Lauderdale: 871 W Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311, phone (954) 567-7141. The CDC's GetTested listing says it offers syphilis testing, sliding-scale fees, and walk-in visits without an appointment. It also lists insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Hours are not listed there, so check with the clinic.
CAN Community Health Fort Lauderdale: 315 S.E. 14th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, phone (754) 701-6920. The clinic's page lists STD testing and treatment. It does not publish a price or a walk-in policy, so ask when you call.
Planned Parenthood Pembroke Pines Health Center: 263 N University Dr, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024, phone (954) 989-5747. It is outside the city limits. The CDC's GetTested listing says it offers syphilis testing, does not require an appointment, and accepts insurance and Medicaid. It does not list a price, so check with the clinic.

You can also look up other sites through the CDC's GetTested directory. For the full local list with notes on cost and walk-in policies, see our Fort Lauderdale clinic list. If you want more help comparing options, our guide on where to get STD testing in Fort Lauderdale walks through the choices.

Free at-home options from the health department

The Florida Department of Health in Broward County lists free HIV and syphilis self-testing kits. To request one, call 954-847-8132 or use the request form on the department's HIV counseling and testing page. Ask the health department how results are explained and how to reach a clinician if a result is reactive. Any reactive result will still need a clinician to confirm the diagnosis.

Privacy and consent in Florida

Under Fla. Stat. 384.30, the Department of Health, licensed physicians, certain licensed nurses and clinics may examine and treat minors for sexually transmissible diseases without parental consent. The statute states no minimum age. It also says a minor's consultation, examination and treatment are confidential and may not be disclosed directly or indirectly, for example by sending a bill to a parent or guardian, except as provided in s. 384.29.

For people with HIV, Florida also has laws about telling partners before sex. Fla. Stat. 384.24 covers people with a listed sexually transmissible disease who know of their infection, and it has a separate subsection that names HIV. If you have questions about how these laws apply to you, a clinic counselor or an attorney can explain them.

Key takeaways

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium and has stages that can be hard to notice.
Syphilis symptoms include a painless sore early on and a rash on the body later. Both can fade without treatment, which does not mean the infection is gone.
Diagnosis uses two kinds of blood test, treponemal and non-treponemal, read together by a clinician.
Is syphilis curable? Yes. Syphilis treatment is penicillin prescribed by a clinician, with follow-up blood tests to confirm it worked.
Reinfection is possible, so retesting after new exposures makes sense.
Free and low-cost testing is available in Fort Lauderdale through the health department and community clinics.

If you are wondering whether to get tested, a clinic visit is a reasonable next step. Staff see these questions every day, and the visit is routine.

Syphilis in Fort Lauderdale: Symptoms, Testing and Treatment