Do I need testing for Syphilis?
You should call us at 1-866-297-9736 if you are concerned about
Syhpilis or any of the following apply.
If you:
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have had unprotected sex
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are starting a new relationship
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or your partner have had an undiagnosed genital outbreak
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suspect recent exposure to syphilis
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wish to be screened before or during your pregnancy, this includes screening your partner
Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR)
The RPR is the most frequently used test to screen for the presence of syphilis. Once a person presumes they have been exposed to syphilis, they should wait six weeks to three months from contact to obtain conclusive test results from with the RPR.
Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption Test (FTA-Abs)
If a reactive RPR is the result, an FTA-Abs is used as a confirmation test at no additional cost to the patient.
Symptoms of Syphilis:
Primary Syphilis:
- a single sore (chancre) but there could be multiple sores all of which could be firm, round, small, and painless
Secondary Syphilis:
- skin rash
- mucous membrane lesions
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- sore throat
- patchy hair loss
- headaches
- weight loss
- muscle aches
- fatigue