Syphilis

• Signs and symptoms
• Getting it
• Diagnosis & treatment
• Long-term effects

Diagnosis and treatment

Blood samples will be taken and swabs from sores may be taken to check it is not herpes. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics, either as an injection or tablets.

If syphilis is suspected, you should not have oral, vaginal or anal sex and anyone you have sexual contact with, should not have contact with any sores or rashes you may have until your treatment is finished.

After treatment, you will be asked to attend the clinic at regular intervals for blood tests.

If you can, you should let anyone that you have had sexual contact with in the last 3 - 6 months know that they may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and that they need to be checked out and possibly tested. Staff at the clinic will offer you as much support as you need to do this.

In pregnancy, syphilis can cause miscarriage or stillbirth and can be passed from mother to unborn child in the womb. However, the baby can be easily treated with antibiotics after birth.

Where to get help