What are the treatments and prevention methods against syphilis?
Syphilis is usually treated with penicillin, an antibiotic, by injection. Other antibiotics can be used for patients allergic to penicillin. A person can no longer transmit syphilis 24 hours after beginning therapy. There are no home remedies or over-the counter medication to treat syphilis. Treatment will kill the syphilis bacterium. However, it will not repair the damage caused by the infection ( 11 ). The best way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact. Also, being in a long-term monogamous relationship, that is, only have sex with one person who only has sex with you. Latex male condoms, when used correctly, can reduce the risk of transmission of syphilis. Syphilis screening is recommended annually for all sexually active women 25 years of age and younger. An annual screening test also is recommended for older women with risk factors for syphilis (a new sex partner or multiple sex partners). All pregnant women should have a screenin
