In order to make a
syphilis diagnosis, your doctor will likely ask a number of questions about your medical history, perform a physical exam, and recommend certain syphilis tests. As part of diagnosing a syphilis, the doctor will also rule out other causes of possible
syphilis symptoms.
Syphilis testing can involve:
- Identifying the bacteria in a sample taken from a lesion and placed on a microscope slide (dark-field microscope)
- Blood test for syphilis.
Treatment Options for Syphilis
- The stage of syphilis (see Stages of Syphilis)
- Syphilis symptoms
- The patient's age and general health
- Any allergies that the patient has.
Penicillin is the preferred drug used to treat syphilis at all stages. If a person is allergic to penicillin, the healthcare provider may give another antibiotic to take by mouth. A person is more likely to need repeat syphilis treatment if he or she gets an antibiotic other than penicillin.
While you are receiving treatment for syphilis, it is recommended that you:
- Avoid having any sexual activity during treatment. Sexual contact should be avoided until the syphilis sores are completely healed.
- Be sure to tell your sexual partners so that they can be tested and treated if necessary.
- After you have completed treatment for syphilis, get retested after 6 months and 12 months. Some doctors recommend more frequent followup tests.
Damage already done to body organs cannot be reversed. Also, having syphilis once does not protect a person from getting it again.
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