Fear of syphilis (luiphobia)

Luiphobia is a fear of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. Someone with this fear may worry about catching it after any close contact, or read too much into minor skin changes. Any symptoms or concerns are best checked with a GP or a sexual health clinic, where testing is simple and confidential.

About this phobia

The name comes from lues, an old medical name for syphilis. The term is mainly historical, from a time when the illness was common and greatly feared, and it is rarely used today. Now it would usually be seen as a form of health anxiety focused on one infection.

What it feels like

• Repeated worry after any close contact
• Checking the skin or body for signs again and again
• Seeking reassurance from tests, then doubting the results

Explore more unusual fears in the rare phobias A to Z, or browse the common phobias.

Common questions

Can a fear of syphilis carry on after a negative test?

Yes. With health anxiety, the relief after a clear result can fade quickly and the doubt returns. If this happens, a GP can help with both the physical questions and the worry itself.

How can you help?

I use hypnotherapy and NLP to change how your mind responds to the thing you fear, so the old alarm stops going off. Sessions are one to one over Zoom, and you get a recording of the hypnosis to listen to afterwards.

How many sessions will I need?

Many clients notice a real difference after one 90 minute session. If the fear goes back a long way, three sessions gives us room to make the change stick.

Ready to start?

Book a £49 consultation call and we’ll talk through your fear, or take the free suitability test first.

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