Testing for Syphilis: Questions for the doctor

HIV and Other STDs, Questions for the Doctor, Talking with the Doctor, Questions for the Doctor

Section #1

Syphilis is an STD (sexually transmitted disease) that you can get during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you're pregnant and have syphilis, you can pass it to your baby.

Get tested for syphilis if you:

Are pregnant
Are a man who has sex with men
Are living with HIV (also called being HIV-positive)

Some people who get syphilis don't notice any symptoms. The only way to know if you have syphilis is to get tested.

If it's not treated, syphilis can lead to serious health problems and even death. Medicine can cure syphilis, but it can't undo any damage that syphilis has already caused. That's why it's important to get tested regularly if you're at risk.

What if I've had syphilis before?

Being treated for syphilis once doesn't protect you from getting it again. It's possible to get syphilis again after you've been cured, so ask your doctor if you need to be retested.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurance plans must cover syphilis testing for adults at higher risk for syphilis and all pregnant women. That means you may be able to get tested at no cost to you. Talk to your insurance company to find out more.

For more information about other services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.

What do I ask the doctor?

Visiting the doctor can be stressful. It helps to have questions for the doctor or nurse written down ahead of time. You may also want to ask a family or friend to go with you to take notes.

Print this list of questions and take it with you to your appointment.