Syphilis: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

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.

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 health professional. If you suspect a syphilis infection:

• Make an appointment with your health professional. 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 health professional.

If you are diagnosed with syphilis, your sex partner(s) will need to be treated as well.

All states require health professionals to report newly diagnosed cases of syphilis (all stages) to health authorities.

Who To See

Generally, your primary health professional 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.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	October 02, 2007
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Jeanne Marrazzo, MD, MPH - Infectious Disease
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC