Understand Syphilis Testing, Diagnosis and Treatment in 5 Minutes!
Note that the prices indicated in this page are all inclusive of tax.
At Idaten Clinic, we are offering HIV/syphilis testing for 500 JPY from May 3 to 7. (For details, see here [JP])
Being infected with either HIV or syphilis is said to increase the probability of infection with the other, so we recommend regular checks.
With rapid tests, results for both are available in approximately 15 minutes, but those who have already been infected with syphilis need to undergo standard testing rather than a rapid test. Why is that?
This article briefly summarizes syphilis, from an explanation of the disease to treatment and testing. Please take a look.
– Syphilis is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse (or equivalent acts), and the probability of infection is approximately 20 percent.
– In the early stage (about 3 months), syphilis often causes no symptoms. On the other hand, if the infected state continues for a long time, it is a dangerous disease in which symptoms spread throughout the body and can even lead to death.
– Once 4 weeks have passed since a possible infection event, you can undergo either the same-day test or the standard test.
– Those who have already been infected cannot tell from Same-Day Testing whether they are currently infected.
– As for treatment, a complete cure is possible on the same day with 1 injection (oral treatment is also possible), and we can treat it promptly at our clinic.
Syphilis Is Increasing
Syphilis has been increasing in recent years, and it is characterized by infections among men across a wide range from their 20s to their 50s, while among women infections are very common in their 20s.
Syphilis is an STI caused by a pathogen called Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted when bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal secretions or blood come into direct contact with mucous membranes, wounds and the like. The probability of infection from 1 act of sexual intercourse is said to be around 20 percent.
Syphilis Symptoms Differ by Stage
Syphilis is characterized by symptoms and affected areas that differ according to the time that has passed since infection.
From about 3 weeks to 3 months after infection
A hard lump, a depressed ulcer or swollen lymph nodes may occur at the infected site. There is often no pain or itching, and the condition improves in about 1 month even without treatment.
3 months or more after infection
A rash or warts may appear over the whole body, and fever, fatigue, sore throat or headache may occur. Alopecia may also occur.
Several years to several decades after infection
Symptoms vary. Lumps may form throughout the body, and lesions in the heart or brain may in the worst case lead to death.
Interpreting Syphilis Test Results
After infection, syphilis may not show a positive result right away. Please make sure to get tested only after 4 weeks have passed since the possible infection event.
In standard syphilis testing (RPR and TP tests), 2 tests, RPR and TPHA, are performed, and the stage of the disease is estimated and treatment decisions are made based on those results.
RPR is a method that tests for antibodies produced as a result of syphilis infection, while the TP test detects antibodies against syphilis itself.
Rapid tests use the TP method, and a positive result persists if you have had the disease in the past, so for those who have been infected with syphilis before, this alone cannot determine whether they are “currently infected”.
Standard test results are judged not only as negative or positive but also by looking at the numerical values, so if you would like to hear the details of how results are interpreted, please feel free to consult with a doctor.
At Idaten Clinic, we can perform both standard testing and Same-Day Testing. In the case of self-pay care, results can be viewed by email or on the web.
Price: 4,500 JPY
When available: 4 weeks or more after a possible infection event
Method: blood draw
Test results: after 3 to 5 business days (checked by email or on the web)
Notes: Those who have been infected with syphilis in the past can also take this test
Price: 6,000 JPY
When available: 4 weeks or more after a possible infection event
Method: blood draw
Results: after 30 minutes (explained at the clinic)
Notes: Those who have been infected with syphilis in the past cannot take this test
Syphilis Can Be Treated with 1 Treatment
Nowadays, as long as it is not detected too late, syphilis is a disease that can be treated relatively easily.
Since 2021, a medication that achieves a complete cure with 1 intramuscular injection has become available, and we have adopted it at our clinic.
We can provide treatment under both insurance-covered care and self-pay care. Please feel free to contact us.
Self-pay care
Medication (oral) for 2 to 4 weeks: 5,500 JPY / 1 week’s supply
Injection: 19,000 JPY / 1 time
Insurance-covered care
Approx. 2,000 JPY (varies depending on the content of care)
After Treatment, Be Sure to Get Tested to Confirm You Are Cured
After syphilis treatment, a blood test is performed 1 month later to confirm that you are cured and that there is no recurrence. Your attending doctor will explain the details. Insurance coverage is also available, so please consult with the doctor.
<Dr. Daisuke Shiojiri>
Director of Personal Health Clinic, Doctor of Medical Science.
At the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo) and at Personal Health Clinic, he provides correct, evidence-based knowledge on HIV, PrEP and other topics related to STIs and STI testing, along with care that stays close to patients' hearts.
Born in Japan but raised in Kenya, Africa, he also holds a medical license there and carries out medical assistance, educational assistance and other activities locally.
He also sees patients at our clinic as a part-time doctor.
