A single injection of a long-acting penicillin that persists in the blood for 2 to 3 weeks is the best treatment for syphilis. Some doctors suggest daily injections for this period. Treating a pregnant woman cures the foetus. Some people with early syphilis may develop a mild fever, headache, or swelling of lesions following treatment. This is rarely serious.
Tertiary syphilis requires longer therapy.
It is important that all pregnant women have routine antenatal screenings for syphilis. Repeated blood tests are necessary for at least a year after treatment to monitor possible treatment failure. People who have had tertiary syphilis should be followed up for many years. The use of condoms during vaginal and anal intercourse. Sexual practices other than intercourse carry less risk of transmitting syphilis.