Syphilis is a bacterial STD that can be cured if caught in its early stages of development. An intramuscular shot of penicillin is the most common form of treatment.
Significance
Syphilis is passed through intercourse when it has not been treated and there is direct contact with a syphilis sore. Thousands of syphilis infections occur each year in both men and women.
Time Frame
If syphilis is treated within a year of the infection developing, it can be treated with a single dose of antibiotic. If it has been longer than a year, ongoing treatment will be necessary. Someone being treated for syphilis should not have intercourse for as long as it takes to be completely cured.
Considerations
Even if syphilis has been treated and cured in a person he can still be at risk of a recurrence of the infection if proper precautions are not taken.
Warning
It is not uncommon for those infected to be unaware they have the infection until it has progressed to more advanced stages, causing genital sores and a skin rash. Syphilis can also stay dormant in a person's body, resulting in extreme symptoms that occur years later.
Prevention/Solution
Syphilis can only be spread through sexual intercourse and can easily be prevented if protection is used when engaging in such behavior. Frequent STD testing is also recommended to ensure the correct diagnosis for those who think they may be at risk.
Tags: been treated