Seomyeon (1 min from Seomyeon Stn Exit 7 / Lotte Dept. Store)24/7 stone emergency: 010-3830-1725
S&US&U Seoul UrologyBusan · Seomyeon
STD Clinic

Syphilis in Busan, Korea

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It progresses in stages and, if untreated, can cause serious complications years later — but it is straightforward to diagnose with a blood test and to cure with antibiotics.

TL;DR — quick answer

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It progresses in stages and, if untreated, can cause serious complications years later — but it is straightforward to diagnose with a blood test and to cure with antibiotics.

What is syphilis?

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. It progresses in stages and, if untreated, can cause serious complications years later — but it is straightforward to diagnose with a blood test and to cure with antibiotics.

Early testing and treatment are important, both for your health and to prevent transmission. Because it can be silent, testing after a risk is worthwhile even without symptoms.

Causes

  • Unprotected sexual contact with an infected partner
  • Multiple or new partners
  • A partner diagnosed with syphilis
  • Co-infection with other STIs, including HIV

Symptoms

  • A painless sore (chancre) in early infection
  • A body rash, often including the palms and soles
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Flu-like symptoms in some
  • Often no symptoms in later latent stages

Self-check: should you get this looked at?

  • You have a painless genital sore or ulcer
  • You developed an unexplained rash
  • A partner has been diagnosed with syphilis
  • You had unprotected sex and want reassurance
  • You have another diagnosed STI

If several of these apply to you, a urological evaluation is worthwhile. This checklist is a guide, not a diagnosis.

Accurate diagnosis

How we diagnose it

Confidential consultation

A private review of symptoms and exposure guides testing.

Blood testing

A blood test detects syphilis and its stage; further tests confirm where needed.

Screen for co-infection

Testing for other STIs, including HIV, is advised because they often coexist.

Clear explanation

Results and treatment are explained confidentially.

Treatment

How we treat syphilis

Antibiotic treatment

Syphilis is cured with appropriate antibiotics; the regimen depends on the stage.

Treat co-infections

Any coexisting infection is treated alongside.

Partner advice

Partner testing and treatment prevent reinfection and spread.

Follow-up testing

Blood tests confirm successful treatment over time.

Syphilis is tested and treated confidentially here, with appropriate follow-up blood tests to confirm cure and screening for co-infection. Care is led by a board-certified urologist with English-speaking support.

Sources: American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) clinical guidance; Korean Urological Association; U.S. CDC STI treatment guidelines. Educational information only — not a substitute for in-person evaluation by a physician.
Frequently asked

Questions from foreign patients

Yes — it is cured with appropriate antibiotics. The regimen depends on the stage, and follow-up blood tests confirm success.

Primarily with a blood test, sometimes supported by examination of a sore. We advise the right testing time after exposure.

Yes — it can be silent, especially in latent stages, which is why testing after a risk is worthwhile.

Yes — partner testing and treatment prevent reinfection and further spread.