Contact your doctor to examine any strange sores on your penis or vagina. You should also speak to your doctor about any abnormal rashes that fail to go away within 1-2 days.

You should also call your doctor if you develop a new rash, sore throat  , joint swelling  , fever  , or any new symptoms during or after the time you are being treated for syphilis.

Although syphilis may be treated in your doctor's office, you should seek emergency care if you have any vision changes, pain with viewing bright lights, a stiff neck, high fevers, or sudden weakness in any part of the body. Syphilis can cause strokes  .

Your doctor will advise you not to have sexual activity until your doctor confirms by blood tests that you are no longer infectious. This may take 2-3 months. It is important for you to advise your sexual partners and close contacts to be checked for syphilis. Your local health department can help.

• People being treated for syphilis need repeat blood tests at 3, 6, and 12 months to confirm that the disease has been eliminated.
• People with neurosyphilis need repeat blood tests and spinal fluid examinations every 6 months for at least 3 years.
• Pregnant women with syphilis need monthly blood testing for the duration of their pregnancy  .

Like many other sexually transmitted diseases  , syphilis can be prevented with safe sex practices including the use of a condom.

Top