Background : HIV-related stigma, which has been widely studied, affects the quality of life of individuals living with the virus. Despite its long history and severity, stigma related to syphilis remains little explored.

Methods : Forty-three patients with syphilis participated in this study. These individuals completed a syphilis-related stigma scale. Scores were obtained by adapting the HIV Stigma Scale.

Results : The mean score on the stigma scale was 5.97 (± 1.71). These results indicate the presence of stigma associated with syphilis infection, which is most strongly expressed in concerns about disclosure, followed by concerns about public attitudes, negative self-image, and finally personalized stigma. Furthermore, comparison with established norms for the HIV Stigma Scale reveals significantly lower stigma in the case of syphilis (p < 0.001). Domain- specific analyses confirm statistically significant differences in each domain.

Conclusion : Although the results suggest less pronounced stigma toward syphilis compared to HIV, it nevertheless remains a significant factor in the care pathways of those affected by this sexually transmitted infection. It is crucial to acknowledge the potential impact of such stigma on access to sexual health services, on screening uptake, and on adherence to prevention measures. Greater awareness of this issue could help improve the quality of care, foster more inclusive care pathways, and support targeted prevention efforts.