How Long Does Syphilis Take To Become Non-contagious After Administering Penicillin Shots?

Posted on Fri, 15 Sep 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 15 Sep 2017 Answered on

Mon, 9 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a question, I was recently diagnosed with Syphilis and treated with the 3-shot 1 week Penicillin shot. My husband got treated with Doxycycline twice a day for 28 days. We have had for over 9 months, because I was checked at that time at it was non-reactive. My question is at what point are we non contagious to each other after treatment is complete? is that the case for both the shots and the Doxycycline?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that there is no risk of transmission once Syphilis has been treated properly.

So, I don't think that you are contagious any more, even if you have been treated in different ways.

Anyway, to be sure of this, I would recommend performing syphilis blood tests. If they result normal, there is nothing to worry about! It means that you can not be contagious any more.

Hope to have been helpful!

Wishing good health,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (3 minutes later)

So it doesn't matter if the treatment was by penicillin or doxycycline they are both as effective.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Yes, Doxyciline in this regimen is equivalent to penicillin.

Doctors make this treatment choice, because it is more easy to take the drug orally and it is preferred in allergic persons.

But these treatment schema are both equivalent in the successful treatment of syphilis.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Wishing all the best,

Dr. Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (29 minutes later)

Thanks for the information. How long after my husband finishes his Doxycycline treatment can we have unprotected sex?

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
My answer as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello again!

You can have unprotected sex as soon as your husband finishes treatment.

You can also perform a blood test for syphilysis just to be sure that everything is OK!

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Wishing good health,

Dr.Iliri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng