What to do if you are sick
Is there a cure?
Yes, your healthcare provider can cure syphilis with the correct antibiotics, however treatment may not undo the damage already done to your body. This is why fast testing and treatment are important.
Can I get syphilis again after treatment?
Yes. Having syphilis once does not protect you from getting it again, even after successful treatment. Only laboratory tests can confirm whether you have syphilis. Follow-up testing by your healthcare provider is needed to make sure your treatment was successful.
It may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Syphilis sores in the vagina, anus, mouth, or under the foreskin of the penis, can be hard to see. You may get syphilis again if your sex partner(s) does not receive testing and treatment.
Last Updated: November 28, 2023