How long does syphilis take to cure?

Some people receive a single treatment visit, while infections that have been present longer may need a longer treatment plan. Symptoms can improve before the infection has been fully assessed, so feeling better is not a reason to skip follow-up. Blood tests may be repeated to check the response over time. Previous infection does not reliably protect you from getting syphilis again.

Take or attend every treatment dose exactly as prescribed and tell the clinician about any allergy history, pregnancy, or symptoms affecting the eyes, ears, or nervous system. Avoid sexual contact until your clinician says it is appropriate, and discuss partner notification so recent partners can be tested and treated. Arrange the recommended follow-up tests through STI screening services.

Seek prompt medical care for vision changes, hearing changes, severe headache, weakness, confusion, or trouble walking. Contact a clinician promptly if a rash, sore, fever, or swollen glands appear after a sexual exposure, even if the symptom is mild or has started to fade.

Ask which stage is being treated, how many treatment visits are needed, when follow-up blood tests should occur, and when sexual contact can safely resume. Ask whether partners need testing and whether another STI screening appointment is appropriate.