Syphilis Complications & Risks

Syphilis Overview Symptoms Complications & Risks Testing & Diagnosis RPR Syphilis Test Test Results for Syphilis False Positive Syphilis Test Treatment Prevention Do I Have Syphilis?

Complications

Syphilis can cause many types of complications if left untreated:

Congenital Syphilis:
  • Anemia
  • Deformities
  • Developmental delays
  • Jaundice
  • Seizures
  • Development of tertiary syphilis and associated conditions
Pregnancy
  • Fetal death
  • Infant death
  • Miscarriage
  • Passing syphilis to the baby during delivery
  • Premature birth
Tertiary Syphilis

Get tested for Syphilis

Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. Later stages of the illness could require more aggressive treatment, possibly in a hospital. Act immediately and get tested today!

Get tested for STDs today

Partners and Re-infection

You should refrain from all forms of sexual activity until your body is free from the infection. If you have tested positive for gonorrhea, all your sexual partners should be notified so they can be tested and treated. It is possible to be re-infected, so be sure to use all possible precautionary measures.

Mark Riegel, MD
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Quick snapshot

Can it be cured?

Yes. Early stage syphilis is easily curable; Treatment is more difficult at later stages.

Type of Infection

Bacterial. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium ema pallidum.

How is it treated?

Antibiotics. A single injection of penicillin at early stage; Later stage treatment may require hospitilzation.

Recovery Time

Varies. Recovery from syphilis is not complete until all the sores are healed; Damage from the disease may be permanent.

Can I have sex?

No. Avoid sexual activity until the disease is fully cured.

Can I get re-infected?

Yes. Sexual intercourse with an infected partner can lead to re-infection.