Syphilis Treatment

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Method of Treatment

Penicillin injection (or oral antibiotics when clinically appropriate)

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Length of Treatment

Varies upon stage of syphilis

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Further Actions

• Re-test in 1, 3, 6 & 12 months
• Inform and assess relevant partner(s)

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Locations

London, Birmingham

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Fees

• Penicillin injection – £200/dose (first dose £260 if tested elsewhere)
• Oral antibiotics – £100 (or £160 if tested elsewhere)

Journey Overview

#1 Book an Appointment

If you tested with us, you can usually book directly for treatment.

If you tested elsewhere, a consultation will first be required so a clinician can review your results and medical history and recommend the appropriate treatment. Penicillin injection is the usual first-line treatment for syphilis, with alternatives considered when clinically appropriate. Please bring evidence of your test result where possible.

#2 Receive Treatment

If treatment is clinically appropriate and safe to proceed, you will be asked to attend the clinic for treatment.

#3 Further Actions

After your syphilis treatment:

• Avoid sexual contact until at least two weeks after you and your partner(s) have completed treatment, or until any sores have healed, whichever is later.
• Tell your recent sexual partners so they can get tested and treated if needed. Your sexual health clinic can help with confidential partner notification.
• Attend your follow-up appointments and syphilis blood tests as advised. RPR or VDRL blood tests are used to check how well you have responded to treatment.
• Your clinician may also recommend testing for other STIs, including HIV.

Your syphilis treatment depends on the stage of infection. Late-stage or syphilis of unknown duration usually requires three weekly penicillin injections. Syphilis affecting the brain, eyes or ears needs specialist treatment.

If you develop new symptoms or are concerned about reinfection after treatment, contact your healthcare professional for advice.

Patient Feedback

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
    C  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been trying to get my coil replaced since May on the NHS, but they couldn't do it as my threads have been cut too short. Waiting lists for NHS gynae appointment are insane (~1 year) so after some deliberating I decided to go private. I chose Clarewell Clinics as they had great reviews and also compared to other clinics, were a lot more reasonably priced. I booked an ultrasound guided coil removal in hopes that Dr. Elena would be able to do it without needing to go down a more invasive route. Thankfully, she did it with ease and also replaced it with a Mirena coil (on the NHS they had told me my uterus was too small so had to go with Kyleena). It was such a more pleasant experience than when I did it on the NHS. Dr. Elena and Yemi kept me comfortable and eased my anxiety the whole way through the process. The pain relief options were also better- air and gas was a lifesaver! I could still feel the pain but it was milder and so much more bareable than the insertion I had 5 years ago. It was over quickly and I was sent away with a heat pack to ease the cramping afterwards. Thank you so much Dr Elena, Yemi and also Ryaan for being a friendly face in the reception. I would thoroughly recommend Clarewell Clinics :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    K S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a mirena replacement with Elena, supported by Ryan. I have previously had bad experiences, but the approach here and the pain management meant if I had to come back next week for another one, I’d do it. I arrived feeling sick and shaking but Ryan put me at ease, Elena did a fantastic and quick job and the gas and air made a huge difference, I barely felt anything.  The whole team were friendly and welcoming and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.  I had an injection and she didn’t wait for pain to come to manage it, it was managed upfront.  I’m so incredibly grateful, thank you.  Ryan and Elena are a fantastic team
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    P R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr Aaron Williams saw us while we were visiting London from the US and he treated us well, with compassion and professionalism. Seeing him helped put us at ease for the rest of our trip, which ended up being great.
  
 
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    E R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Incredible care and treatment. Can't thank Dr Jayadeva and his team enough who put me at great ease and looked after me. Wonderful clinic will be recommending.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    A L 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a copper coil removal yesterday with Dr Praveen Jayadeva. If you are at all nervous about an iud fitting or removal, I couldn't recommend this clinic enough. I had a very painful experience at a different clinic that made me really scared about the removal procedure. They really take the time to talk you through what's going to happen and what type of pain relief options you have. They were so friendly and comforting (both the doctor and the amazing assistant) and procedure was so quick. They even offer you tea and biscuits afterwards. Really fantastic and professional clinic!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    B G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a coil done here. It was an amazing experience, really worth the money paid. The doctor took the time to go through the process and all the options in detail. I felt prepared and well cared for. I had numbing gel and spray and also gas and air. The actual coil fitting was less then 5 minutes. I felt a little discomfort, but the gas and air managed this very well. The team were all very supportive and caring. My coil lasts for 5 years, I'm very happy with my experience. Could not recommend enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    D  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Malu was able to help me fully understand and put into context my concerns surrounding HPV, which at times can feel like a confusing subject. His ability to listen and understand my concerns with empathy and without judgement was very helpful. I am grateful for the expertise and care given by Dr. Malu and the staff at his clinic. The team provides a very professional and comfortable experience.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    A R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic and caring team from booking process, reception, appointment and billing. Went for a coil removal. They had ultrasound and gas for pain management (when I checked it seemed they were the only clinic that offered this!!). 100% recommend. Especially if you’re getting a coil, want to make sure you do it with a top professional team. I inserted it elsewhere and it was a barbaric procedure for me, insanely painful and just awful. So save yourself unnecessary trauma/pain
  
 
      Posted on Google  
    A  
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a great experience at Clarewell Clinic. I was extremely nervous about the pain before my copper IUD fitting, but Dr Praveen Jayadeva explained everything clearly throughout the appointment and made me feel completely comfortable. I was given pain relief and the fitting was honestly so much easier than I expected — I barely felt any pain at all. Yasmin was also incredibly lovely and reassuring throughout. I’m genuinely so happy I chose Clarewell and would definitely recommend them. 10/10.

FAQs

Show All Answers

What do you offer for Syphilis Treatment?

If you have tested positive for syphilis or are concerned about a possible exposure, we provide confidential assessment, treatment, and follow-up care.

Treatment usually involves penicillin injections, which are highly effective. If you are allergic to penicillin, alternative antibiotics may be suitable. We also provide follow-up blood tests to confirm the treatment has been successful, along with advice on recovery, partner notification, and when it is safe to resume sexual activity.

Should I tell my partners that I am receiving Syphilis Treatment?

Yes. It is important to tell any recent sexual partners so they can be tested and treated if needed, helping prevent further transmission and reinfection.

The partners who should be notified depend on the stage of your infection. If you are uncomfortable telling them yourself, many sexual health services offer anonymous partner notification. Avoid sexual contact until you have completed treatment and your clinician confirms it is safe.

How effective is Syphilis Treatment?

Syphilis treatment is highly effective, especially when the infection is diagnosed early.

Treatment eliminates the bacteria and prevents further complications. If syphilis has already caused damage to organs or nerves, treatment may not reverse existing damage, but it will stop the infection from progressing. Follow-up blood tests are needed to confirm treatment has been successful.

Are there any side effects of Syphilis Treatment treatment I should be aware of?

Most people tolerate syphilis treatment well. The most common side effect is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, which can occur within 24 hours of starting treatment.

Symptoms may include:

• Fever or chills
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches

These symptoms usually settle within 24 hours. Mild soreness at the injection site is also common. Seek urgent medical attention if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

How does Syphilis Treatment differ for pregnant women?

Syphilis should be treated promptly during pregnancy to reduce the risk of passing the infection to the baby.

Penicillin injections are the recommended treatment because they are safe in pregnancy and treat both the parent and the baby. If you have a penicillin allergy, you may need treatment in a hospital setting. You will also need closer follow-up with repeat blood tests throughout pregnancy.

Is there any effective home treatments for Syphilis Treatment?

No. There are no effective home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for syphilis.

Syphilis requires prescription antibiotics. Delaying treatment or relying on home remedies can allow the infection to progress and increase the risk of serious complications. If you think you may have syphilis, seek medical assessment as soon as possible.

How long does the Syphilis Treatment treatment take to work?

The antibiotics begin working as soon as treatment starts, but it takes time for the infection to clear.

Most sores or rashes begin to improve within 1–2 weeks. Avoid sexual contact until at least two weeks after completing treatment, or until your clinician advises it is safe. Follow-up blood tests over the following months confirm the treatment has worked.

Are there any factors that can influence the effectiveness of Syphilis Treatment during menopause?

Menopause does not reduce the effectiveness of syphilis treatment.

The most important factors are completing the prescribed treatment and attending any recommended follow-up appointments and blood tests. If you have concerns about your treatment or symptoms, speak with your healthcare professional.

What happens if I have symptoms after finishing my Syphilis Treatment treatment?

If your symptoms persist, worsen, or return after treatment, you should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Some symptoms can take time to resolve, but ongoing or new symptoms may indicate reinfection or that further assessment is needed. Avoid sexual contact until you have been reassessed and advised it is safe.

Is Syphilis Treatment failure possible? If so, what is the course of action?

Treatment failure is uncommon, but it can occur. Reinfection from an untreated partner is more common than true treatment failure.

If follow-up blood tests do not show the expected improvement or symptoms return, further assessment is needed. Additional treatment may be recommended depending on your results.

Is a follow-up test/visit required after completing my Syphilis Treatment treatment?

Yes. Follow-up blood tests are an important part of syphilis treatment.

These are usually arranged at around 3, 6, and, if needed, 12 months after treatment to confirm the infection has responded. You should also seek review if you develop new symptoms or think you may have been exposed again.

Will my partner also need Syphilis Treatment treatment?

Possibly. Current and recent sexual partners should be tested and assessed, even if they do not have symptoms.

Depending on the timing of exposure, a partner may be offered treatment before their test results are available to reduce the risk of complications and onward transmission. Ensuring partners are tested and treated also helps prevent reinfection.

Next Steps

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In Clinic

Same day test results +/- medications available for most infections.

With Consultation

Without Consultation

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Online

Start, continue or finish your care online.

Online Consultation

Online Medications

Not sure what you need? Contact us here.

Page last reviewed by Mrs Magdalena Nowacka on 18 September 2026 for general guidance only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your clinician.