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.
| 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 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:
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
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). |
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment