Syphilis is identified by its stages. There are three major stages, with a potentially long period of latency between the second and third stage. Some women with syphilis may experience one stage but never progress to the subsequent stages of the disease.

• Primary syphilis. The first phase of syphilis usually appears as one chancre (sore) at the site that was in contact with an infected partner. This sore or ulcer is characterized as non-painful, unlike ulcers associated with other types of diseases. The chancre can appear between 10 and 90 days after contact, although the usual time is about 21 days. Syphilis chancres usually heal within three to six weeks, even if untreated. The disease can be transmitted from any contact with the chancre.
• Secondary syphilis. Without adequate treatment, primary syphilis progresses to secondary syphilis. This stage may occur from six weeks to six months after the primary infection, sometimes while the original chancre is still present. Secondary syphilis has numerous symptoms, many of which mimic other diseases. Not all patients with primary syphilis progress to the secondary stage. In addition, not all patients with secondary syphilis can recall a primary infection, and they may not have noticed the symptoms. As with primary syphilis, the symptoms in this stage usually resolve without treatment, often within six weeks. However, the infection may be widespread at this point. Physical contact between an infected area and other broken skin or membranes in the body can transmit the disease.
• Latent stage. After the secondary stage, the patient may have brief relapses of symptoms and then syphilis may retreat for years or decades. Some women experience no further symptoms. The patient can still transmit the disease in the early part of the latent period, within one year from the time of initial infection. More than two years after the start of the latent phase patients may have no symptoms and are often not infectious.
• Tertiary syphilis. Symptoms of tertiary syphilis may develop years or decades later. At this advanced stage, the syphilis bacteria have spread throughout the body, and frequently involve the skin, cardiovascular system or central nervous system. At this stage, the infection may lead to death. Syphilis cannot be transmitted at this stage. The infection can still be treated, but damage to organs cannot be reversed.