06.16.26 Public Health Education Topic: Syphilis
- Health Department
- 26 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Per CDC:
Key points
Syphilis is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be cured.
People who are sexually active can get syphilis.
What is syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms.
Babies can also get syphilis. Congenital syphilis is the disease that happens when women pass syphilis to their babies during pregnancy.
How is syphilis spread?
You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Women can also pass syphilis to their baby during pregnancy.
You cannot get syphilis through casual contact with objects, such as
Toilet seats
Doorknobs
Swimming pools
Hot tubs
Bathtubs
Sharing clothing, or eating utensils
How can I reduce my risk of getting syphilis?
The only way to completely avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting syphilis:
Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and does not have syphilis.
Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.
Condoms prevent the spread of syphilis by preventing contact with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. Contact with these sores can still transmit syphilis.
Should I get tested for syphilis?
You should get tested regularly for syphilis if you are sexually active and
Are a gay or bisexual man
Have HIV
Are taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention
Have partner(s) who have tested positive for syphilis
Have certain risk factors for syphilis, like living in a community with high rates of syphilis
All pregnant women should receive syphilis testing at their first prenatal visit. Some pregnant women need to receive syphilis testing again during the third trimester at 28 weeks and at delivery.
To learn more visit: About Syphilis | Syphilis | CDC
