PlushCare / Online Doctor / Sexual Health / Syphilis
In order to treat your syphilis, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today and get a prescription for antibiotics to get rid of the infection. Get a new prescription to treat syphilis or refill an existing prescription today.
Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
**Disclaimer: PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of syphilis. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms, but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Complete any recommended tests.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer. Complete any recommended tests.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To request syphilis treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) fact sheet, syphilis a common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. A sexually active person can contract syphilis through contact with a syphilis sore during sexual activity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), syphilis is one of the curable sexually transmitted diseases, but if left untreated, can progress into serious health problems. Untreated syphilis progresses in the following four stages: primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary. Each stage has different signs and symptoms.
Syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum.
An infected person can spread the bacteria to his/her sexual partners during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, when the partner comes into contact with the syphilis sore.
Syphilis can spread from a mother to her unborn baby, during pregnancy. This is also called congenital syphilis
Syphilis cannot spread through casual contact with objects, like toilet seats, eating utensils, doorknobs, hot tubs, and clothing.
For primary, secondary, and early stage latent syphilis, doctors will prescribe a single injection of Benzathine penicillin G. For late latent syphilis, the recommended treatment guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states three separate doses at weekly intervals.
If you have an allergic reaction to penicillin, your doctor can try penicillin desensitization. In some cases, alternatives to penicillin maybe tried:
Rocephin (Ceftriaxone)
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that there are limited clinical data to support the use of these alternatives, and the data are restricted to primary and secondary stages only.
The best way to prevent contracting syphilis is to avoid sexual contact. However if this is not possible, practice safe sex every time you are engaging in sexual activity. Any sexually active individual has certain risk of catching syphilis. You’re most at risk if:
When detected and treated in the early stages, syphilis is easily curable with antibiotic treatment. Be sure to visit a doctor to get a professional diagnosis and receive treatment when you (or your partner) notice any symptoms such as a painless sore and skin rash.
You should also see a doctor to seek treatment if you are aware that anyone of your current or past sex partners is treating syphilis.
Since syphilis is caused by the bacteria Treponema pallidum, the most effective treatment is an antibiotics injection, usually penicillin. If you have a penicillin allergy, your doctor may suggest penicillin desensitization, or in some cases, alternatives to penicillin.
Symptoms of a syphilis infection depend on the stage of infection. There are four known stages of syphilis.
Primary syphilis develops within the first few weeks (2 – 12 weeks) after exposure. During this primary stage, a small, red sore called a chancre develops at the spot where the bacteria entered your body. The chancre is typically painless, so most people don’t even realize it is there. Also note that, while most people develop one sore, some people can develop several sores. Chancre goes away on its own in a few weeks or months. If left untreated, primary syphilis can progress into secondary syphilis.
Secondary syphilis develops within a few weeks after the chancre has healed (or even when it is healing). During the secondary stage, skin rashes can develop over the entire body, even on the palms and soles (bottoms) of the feet. The rash looks red/reddish brown and is not itchy. In addition to the skin rashes, other symptoms that may be present in the secondary stage include:
Together with the skin rash, these symptoms can come and go for months or years. At this stage, you can still cure syphilis with treatment. If left untreated, secondary stage syphilis can progress into latent syphilis.
The latent syphilis stage is also known as the hidden stage, as there are no observable signs and symptoms during this stage. However, note that the infection can continue to cause damage to your heart, bones, nerves and organs. Latent syphilis can last for years.
When left untreated, some people progress from latent syphilis into tertiary syphilis. During tertiary syphilis, syphilis can cause damage to your internal organs such as the eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, joints, and even brain and nerves. The health complications from these damages can even result in death. It is important to get syphilis diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
The best way to prevent contracting syphilis is to avoid sexual contact. However if this is not possible, use a male latex condom or a female polyurethane condom consistently during each sexual interaction. In addition, if you are consistently with a partner who has been tested and does not have syphilis, you also reduce the risk of getting syphilis.
An infected person can spread syphilis to his/her sexual partner during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, when the partner comes into contact with the syphilis sore. Syphilis can also spread from a mother to her unborn baby, during pregnancy.
Syphilis cannot spread through casual contact with objects, like toilet seats, eating utensils, doorknobs, hot tubs, and clothing.
Yes, syphilis is curable with the right antibiotics, which can be prescribed by our doctors. However, treatment might not undo any damage the infection can cause.
Yes, even after successful treatment, you can get syphilis again. You do not gain immunity from contracting syphilis the first time. Follow-up testing by a healthcare provider is necessary to make sure your treatment was successful. To reduce your risk of contracting syphilis again, practice safe sex, such as using a condom every time you engage in sexual activities. In addition, if you are consistently with a partner who has been tested and does not have syphilis, you also reduce the risk of getting syphilis.
Pregnant women with syphilis can pass the infections to their babies (congenital syphilis). The infection can happen through the placenta or during birth. Syphilis can cause premature births or stillbirths. Babies born with syphilis can have rashes on the palms of their hands and the soles of their feet. Later, the infection can cause health conditions such as deafness, teeth deformities, etc. Pregnant women should get tested for syphilis during pregnancy.
