Question 1

Is one injection enough to cure syphilis?

Accepted Answer

Early syphilis is usually cured with one 2.4 million unit dose, but late latent syphilis needs three weekly doses and neurosyphilis needs intravenous treatment. Follow-up tests confirm the response.

Question 2

How soon does the injection work?

Accepted Answer

The antibiotic starts working quickly, but the body needs time to clear the infection. Follow-up blood tests, not symptoms alone, show whether treatment worked.

Question 3

Can I have sex after the injection?

Accepted Answer

Wait until the clinician says it is safe, and until partners have been tested or treated. Early syphilis can still be transmitted until treatment has taken effect.

Question 4

What if I am pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Penicillin is the recommended treatment in pregnancy and prevents transmission to the baby. If you are allergic, you need specialist desensitisation rather than an alternative antibiotic.

Question 5

What are the side effects?

Accepted Answer

Pain at the injection site is common. Fever, aches or a temporary rash flare can occur in the first 24 hours. Severe rash, swelling or breathing difficulty needs emergency care.

Question 6

Can syphilis come back after treatment?

Accepted Answer

Treatment can cure the infection, but you can be reinfected through unprotected sex. Partner treatment and prevention reduce that risk.

Question 7

Do I need to treat my partner?

Accepted Answer

Yes, partners usually need testing and may need treatment even without symptoms. This prevents reinfection and onward transmission.