Syphilis treatment and follow-up

The medicine and dosing schedule depend on the infection stage, symptoms, pregnancy status and whether the nervous system, eyes or ears may be involved. Do not use leftover antibiotics or remedies sold without a prescription because they may not cure the infection.

Syphilis is a bacterial sexually transmitted infection. Symptoms can change by stage and may disappear while infection remains, so diagnosis usually combines clinical history, examination and blood testing. A sore or rash can sometimes provide an additional sample.

Antibiotics stop the infection, but they may not reverse damage that has already occurred. Some people develop fever, chills, headache or muscle aches soon after treatment as the bacteria break down; a clinician can explain how to manage this and distinguish it from allergy.

Arrange confidential STI testing if you have a possible exposure, a genital or oral sore that does not hurt, an unexplained body rash, or a partner diagnosed with syphilis. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, have medicine allergies, or have vision, hearing or neurological symptoms.

Take treatment exactly as prescribed and attend repeat blood tests so the response can be checked. Avoid sexual contact until the treating clinician says it is appropriate, and ensure recent partners receive advice, testing and treatment when indicated. Treatment does not prevent a future infection.

Seek prompt medical assessment for new visual changes, eye pain, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, severe headache, weakness, numbness, confusion or difficulty walking. These symptoms may signal involvement of the eyes, ears or nervous system and can change the evaluation and treatment plan.

Contact maternity care promptly after a possible exposure or positive test during pregnancy because treatment protects both the pregnant person and baby. After an antibiotic dose, breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, widespread blistering or collapse requires emergency help.

Ask which stage is suspected, what treatment you need, when follow-up blood tests should occur, and which partners need notification. Also ask whether testing for other sexually transmitted infections is appropriate and what symptoms should bring you back sooner.