Should I Get Tested For Syphilis?
The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) Blood Test for syphilis will look for antibodies to the syphilis virus in the blood sample. The RPR test can be done 1-3 months after suspected exposure and yield accurate results, but it is advised to follow up with a confirmation test between 3-4 months after initial suspected exposure to confirm a negative status.
Failure to identify and treat a syphilis infection can result in severe and irreparable damage to the internal organs, brain function, and could even lead to death.
Any sexually active individual is at risk of a syphilis infection. Individuals who are at increased high risk of contracting syphilis are those who engage in unprotected vaginal or anal sex, have had multiple sex partners, have another type of STD infection, or have ever shared needles with anybody. MSM individuals have been reported to have an increased instance of syphilis infection and should consider regular testing as part of their overall healthcare routine.
Routine and proactive syphilis testing should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
It is possible for you to be infected with syphilis and not exhibit any symptoms until critical damage has been done to the body.
THE ONLY WAY TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE SYPHILIS IS TO GET TESTED.
In the event that your test results come back positive, one of the STDAware doctors will attempt to reach you by phone, within two days, after your test before releasing results via email. The doctor will try to make contact three times, over the span of one week, before sending your test results through to the secure patient portal.
If you are worried that you may have missed the doctor’s phone call, please contact us toll free: 1-855-588-6958 or email: customerservice@stdaware.com
What will the results show?
The test results for syphilis will reflect one of the two types of outcomes: "Non-reactive" or "Reactive."
- Non-reactive Test Result: means that you do not have a syphilis infection but a follow-up test to confirm is recommended
- Reactive Test Result: means your test revealed antibodies to the syphilis virus in your blood sample. Further testing may be required. An STDAware doctor will reach out to you to go over your test results and treatment options
Can Syphilis Be Cured?
Syphilis can be cured with a prescription series of antibiotics. Treatment for syphilis does not create immunity to the disease, and a person can be infected again if they do not exercise safe sex practices. Additionally, syphilis treatment cannot undo any damage caused by the virus prior to treatment.