The development of syphilis can be traced through different stages:
Primary syphilis: The primary stage begins 2-3 weeks after contracting the infection.
Secondary syphilis: An untreated primary stage syphilis infection can develop into secondary syphilis. Symptoms are visible within 6 weeks to 6 months after the appearance of chancre.
Late or tertiary syphilis: An untreated secondary stage syphilis infection can develop into the late or tertiary stage. The infected person, in this stage, can be asymptomatic. The infection can also last for many years and if untreated, can damage the heart, eyes, brain, central nervous system (neurosyphilis), bones, joints, etc, and also result in mental illness, blindness, and even death.