164 chapter 8: Sexual health
Pregnancy and syphilis
A pregnant woman can pass syphilis to her unborn baby, which can cause
it to be born too early, deformed, or dead. You can prevent this by getting a
blood test and treatment during pregnancy. If you and your partner have blood
tests that show you have syphilis, you should both be treated with benzathine
penicillin, 2.4 million Units, by injection (IM), once a week for 3 weeks.
Chancroid
Chancroid is an STI that causes sores on the genitals. It can be cured with medicine
if it is treated early. It is easily confused with syphilis.
Signs:
• one or more soft, painful sores on the
genitals or anus that bleed easily
• enlarged, painful glands (bubos) may
develop in the groin
• slight fever
chancroid
Medicines for Chancroid
Medicine
How much to take
When to take
azithromycin
1g
by mouth, all at once
or erythromycin
500 mg
by mouth, 4 times a day
for 7 days
or ciprofloxacin
500 mg
(If you are pregnant, do not take ciprofloxacin.)
by mouth, 2 times a day
for 3 days
Note If you cannot tell for certain that your sores are caused by chancroid, or if you cannot get
tested, it is probably best to also take the medicine for syphilis (see page 163).
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007