Syphilis Treatment Melbourne

Syphilis is highly treatable when detected and treated early. According to the Australian STI Management Guidelines, the recommended treatment for early syphilis — primary, secondary, and early latent stages — is a single intramuscular injection of intramuscular antibiotic injection 1.8g. This treatment has been the standard of care for decades and remains highly effective with clearance rates above 95 per cent. Syphilis Treatment Melbourne is available by telehealth from our Specialist GP.

Your Specialist GP will arrange the antibiotic injection at the most convenient location for you. Many medical clinics and some pharmacies can administer intramuscular injections. If you have a documented antibiotic allergy, alternative treatments including antibiotics may be prescribed, though the preferred antibiotic remains the first-line option and allergy testing may be recommended to confirm whether a true allergy exists.

Late latent syphilis — infection present for more than two years or of unknown duration — requires three injections given at weekly intervals. This extended course is necessary because the bacteria may be present in deeper tissues and require prolonged antibiotic exposure. Your GP will determine the appropriate treatment duration based on your stage of infection and test results.

After treatment, follow-up blood tests are essential to confirm successful treatment. The standard monitoring schedule is repeat serology at three, six, and twelve months after treatment. Your GP will look for a four-fold decline in the RPR or VDRL titre, which indicates successful treatment. Some people experience a reaction called the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction within 24 hours of treatment — fever, headache, and muscle aches as the bacteria are killed. This is temporary and resolves within a day.

Partner notification is critical for syphilis. The contact tracing period depends on the stage of infection — for primary syphilis, partners from the past three months should be notified. For secondary syphilis, partners from the past six months. For early latent syphilis, partners from the past twelve months. Your Specialist GP will advise on the appropriate period and can assist with partner notification.

All treatment consultations at Clinic365 are conducted by Specialist GPs with extensive experience in sexual health medicine. During your telehealth consultation, your GP will review your test results, confirm the diagnosis, explain the treatment plan, and answer any questions you have. Prescriptions are sent electronically to your nominated pharmacy and can usually be collected the same day. Your GP will also discuss partner notification, safe sex practices during treatment, and when to resume sexual activity.

Follow-up care is an important part of treatment. Depending on the infection, your GP may recommend a test of clearance after completing treatment to confirm the infection has resolved, as well as a repeat screen at three months to check for reinfection. Both follow-up tests can be ordered through Clinic365 for $39 online. If symptoms persist or recur after treatment, your GP is available for reassessment by telehealth. Early detection and prompt treatment remain the most effective way to protect your sexual health and prevent complications.

Telehealth is particularly effective for sexual health consultations because most conditions can be accurately diagnosed from test results and a clinical history alone — a physical examination is rarely needed. This means you can receive the same quality of care from the comfort and privacy of your own home, without needing to take time off work or sit in a waiting room. All Clinic365 telehealth consultations are conducted by Specialist GPs with an interest in sexual health, ensuring you receive expert care regardless of where you are in Australia.