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Syphilis - When To Call a Doctor
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
Call to make an appointment if you:
- Have sores, bumps, rashes, blisters, or warts on or around the genital or anal area or on any area of the body where you think they could be caused by a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
- Think you have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease.
| Note: | In most areas, public health clinics or health departments are able to diagnose and provide low-cost assessment and treatment of early syphilis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). |
For more information about symptoms of other sexually transmitted diseases, see the topic Exposure to Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting, which means taking a wait-and-see approach, is not appropriate if you think you were exposed to or have syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease (STD). Any symptoms or other changes that suggest syphilis or another sexually transmitted disease should be evaluated by a doctor. If you suspect a syphilis infection:
- Make an appointment with your doctor. Early treatment can reduce the complications of syphilis and prevent the spread of the infection to others.
- Do not have sexual intercourse or other sexual contact until you have been treated by a doctor.
If you are diagnosed with syphilis, your sex partner(s) will need to be treated also.
All states require doctors to report newly diagnosed cases of syphilis (all stages) to health authorities.
Who To See
In general, your primary doctor can diagnose and treat syphilis.
Health professionals who can diagnose and treat sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) include:
- Internists.
- Family medicine doctors.
- Gynecologists.
- Obstetricians.
- Dermatologists.
- Physician assistants.
- Nurse practitioners.
Complications of secondary or later stage syphilis may require treatment by an infectious disease specialist.
| Note: | In most areas, public health clinics or county health departments are able to diagnose and provide low-cost or free treatment of early syphilis and other STDs. |
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 30, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Sarah Anne Marshall, MD - Family Medicine Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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