Syphilis: Transmission & Risk Factors - 9.4.26

Per CDC

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 it spreads

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

Risk factors

Sexually active people can get syphilis through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with a partner who has syphilis.

If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider. Ask them if you should get tested for syphilis or other STIs.

Syphilis may be more common in some racial/ethnic and sexual minority groups. For instance, gay and bisexual men are disproportionately impacted by syphilis. In addition, people from racial and ethnic minority groups are experiencing the brunt of the congenital syphilis epidemic. These disparities are due to social, cultural, and economic conditions that make it difficult for sexually active people to stay healthy.

What is the link between syphilis and HIV?

Having a sore or break in the skin from an STI such as syphilis may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. You may also be more likely to get HIV because the same behaviors and circumstances that put you at risk for getting other STIs can also put you at greater risk for getting HIV.

Am I at risk for syphilis?

• Sexually active people can get syphilis through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with a partner who has syphilis.

If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider. Ask them if you should get tested for syphilis or other STIs.

• Syphilis may be more common in some racial/ethnic and sexual minority groups. For instance, gay and bisexual men are disproportionately impacted by syphilis.

• In addition, people from racial and ethnic minority groups are experiencing the brunt of the congenital syphilis epidemic. These disparities are due to social, cultural, and economic conditions that make it difficult for sexually active people to stay healthy.

For testing call:

If you participate in activities that may increase risk, get testing to help protect yourself and others:

Berkeley County: Call 304-263-5131, Option 1 for Clinical

Morgan County: Call 304-258-1513, Option 1 for Clinical

Tolearn more please visit: About Syphilis | Syphilis | CDC