What should you know about cure for syphilis?

Syphilis is an infection caused by bacteria and can affect the skin, nervous system, eyes, heart, or pregnancy when untreated. It may begin with a painless sore or later cause a rash, swollen glands, or no obvious symptoms. Because symptoms can be missed, diagnosis relies on a clinical assessment and [STI Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/sti-screening/), usually involving blood tests and sometimes a sample from a lesion. The antibiotic choice and treatment schedule depend on the stage, symptoms, pregnancy status, allergy history, and whether complications are suspected.

Attend the recommended appointments, receive the prescribed [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/), and complete any follow-up tests. Avoid sexual contact until a clinician confirms it is safe, and tell recent partners so they can be assessed and treated if needed. Do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics. Tell the clinician about pregnancy, HIV or another immune condition, neurological or eye symptoms, and any previous syphilis treatment. A temporary fever, headache, or muscle ache can occur after treatment; ask how to manage it and when to call.

Arrange prompt sexual-health assessment after a possible exposure, a painless genital or mouth sore, an unexplained rash, or a partner’s diagnosis. Seek urgent care for new vision loss, severe headache, weakness, confusion, hearing change, or severe illness. Pregnancy with possible exposure needs prompt clinical advice because treatment timing can affect the baby. Contact the treating service if symptoms worsen, a severe allergic reaction develops, or follow-up is missed.

Ask which stage is suspected, which tests are needed, how many treatment visits are expected, when follow-up blood tests should occur, and when sex is safe again. Ask whether partners need notification, whether other STI tests are appropriate, and how pregnancy or an antibiotic allergy changes the plan.