Testing & Treatment

Testing of Syphilis

Syphilis can be diagnosed via a blood test, which you can get from your local doctor or sexual health clinic. If you have ever had syphilis, it will always show up in any syphilis blood test, which does unfortunately not protect you from catching syphilis again.

Treatment or Management of Syphilis

Once found syphilis is easily treated by penicillin injections or tablets. The length of treatment depends on the stage of the infection. In the later stages of illness more complex medical treatments may be needed and severe effects such as paralysis are irreversible.

Important facts to remember when receiving treatment are:

• The full course of treatment must be completed in order to cure syphilis
• Flu-like symptoms during the first few days of treatment are normal
• If a body rash or other symptoms develop, please contact your doctor, it may indicate an allergic reaction
• Once treatment is completed, follow-up tests are recommended to make sure the infection has been fully cured
• Ask your doctor about when it is safe to have sexual intercourse again.

Prevention of Syphilis

Practicing safer sex, which means using condoms, is the most effective method of avoiding infection during sexual activity. When symptoms of syphilis are present sex should be avoided completely.

Emotional Support

Finding out you have Syphilis can be quite a shock and extremely stressful. You may even experience it as being challenging for your partner and for your overall relationship. It is also important to overcome these emotional effects, since feeling distressed will impact your overall wellbeing.

Sexual Health Australia offers counselling and support for individuals and/or their partners who are dealing with the discovery of Syphilis. In the counselling sessions we would work on overcoming the emotional effects and you are encouraged to express your feelings. Additionally, we will provide further education and information about the condition and we will guide you in taking the appropriate steps to coping with the situation emotionally. You are supported to develop goals and skills to deal with the challenge together and/or individually.  The counsellor is respectful and mindful of the individual and relationship challenges, and your norms and values.

If you wish to make an appointment with one of our friendly counsellors or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at:

info@sexualhealthaustralia.com.au

For more information on our counselling sessions/appointments please click here.

Sexual Health Australia does NOT offer STI testing or medical advice, for an overall check up and medical treatment please contact either your GP or a Sexual Health Clinic in your area.

Sex therapy and Relationship Counselling is available in Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) -  Melbourne, Victoria (VIC) -  Adalaide, South Australia (SA) -  Perth, Western Australia (WA) - Darwin, Northern Territories (NT) -  Hobart, Tasmania (TAS) - Brisbane, Queensland (QLD) - Canberra, Australian Capital territory (ACT)