Warning as ‘medieval’ STI surging across UK – full list of symptoms

A sharp increase in syphilis cases across the UK has prompted health experts to issue urgent warnings about the potentially life-threatening consequences of untreated infections.

Dr Donald Grant of The Independent Pharmacy has highlighted the subtle symptoms of syphilis, which can include unusual sores around the genitals or mouth that are often mistaken for cold sores or pimples.

The UK Health Security Agency reported a 20%  rise in syphilis diagnoses between 2021 and 2023, with the West Midlands seeing a staggering 149% increase in heterosexual men alone.

Syphilis is transmitted through unprotected sexual contact and the sharing of sex toys, with rising cases attributed to changing sexual behaviours, dating apps, and a lack of sexual health education, particularly among older generations.

Dr Grant warns that untreated syphilis can lead to severe complications, including heart, nerve, and brain damage. 

Symptoms evolve through several stages, starting with painless sores, followed by rashes, fever, and fatigue, and eventually progressing to a latent stage with no visible symptoms but ongoing internal damage.

The NHS stresses the importance of early testing and treatment, typically with antibiotics, to prevent long-term health issues.

As STI rates climb, especially among baby boomers, calls for improved sexual health strategies are growing louder across the UK.