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Syphilis Testing in Busan

Syphilis is a bacterial STI that can be cured with antibiotics, but it can cause serious harm if missed. A simple blood test at an OB/GYN clinic, hospital or public health center can detect it.

How syphilis shows up

Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and spreads through direct contact with a sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. It can also pass from a pregnant person to the baby. It moves through stages:

• Primary : a usually painless sore (chancre) at the site of infection, which heals by itself and is easy to miss inside the vagina.
• Secondary : a rash, often on the palms and soles, with fever, swollen glands or patchy hair loss.
• Latent : no symptoms, but the infection remains.
• Late : years later, damage to the heart, brain, nerves or eyes. Neurological or eye involvement can occur at any stage.

When to get tested

• A new partner or a partner diagnosed with syphilis
• A painless genital or mouth sore, or an unexplained rash
• As part of routine STI screening, or when testing for HIV
• During pregnancy (syphilis screening is part of standard prenatal blood work)

What the test involves

Testing is a blood draw. Labs typically use a combination of treponemal and non-treponemal tests; a positive screen is confirmed with a second test. Antibodies can take a few weeks after exposure to appear, so a doctor may suggest repeating the test later if your exposure was recent. Some clinics offer rapid tests with faster results.

Treatment

Syphilis is treated with penicillin injections; the number of doses depends on the stage. Follow-up blood tests check that treatment worked. Partners need to be informed and tested. Previous treatment does not prevent reinfection.

Cost and insurance

Testing for symptoms or exposure, and treatment, are generally partly covered under National Health Insurance (NHI); screening on request may be self-pay at private clinics. Ask for a quote before the blood draw, and see the STD test cost guide .

Tips for foreigners

• Bring your ARC or passport; NHI applies if you are enrolled.
• Call ahead for hours and English-speaking staff (1330 can interpret).
• Keep a copy of results if you may need them for future care abroad.

See international patients .

Related

• HIV Test
• STD Testing
• Women's STD Panel
• Herpes Test
• Pregnancy Blood Tests
• STD Test Cost Korea

Elsewhere in Korea

• Syphilis testing in Gangnam, Seoul

When to get help sooner

See a doctor promptly for any new genital sore or a rash on your palms or soles, and tell your prenatal doctor at once if you are pregnant and may have been exposed. Go to an emergency room for sudden vision changes, severe headache, confusion, or weakness.

Busan clinics for syphilis testing

These clinics are listed in our directory with STD testing or extended hours. Call ahead to confirm tests and hours.

Syphilis test FAQ