STI Information

Syphilis

Syphilis is a STI/STD that can cause long-term complications if not treated correctly.

  • You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Sores can be found on the penis, vagina, anus, in the rectum, or on the lips and in the mouth.
  • The painless syphilis sore that you would get after you are first infected can be confused for an ingrown hair, zipper cut, or other seemingly harmless bump.
  • The non-itchy body rash that develops during the second stage of syphilis can show up on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, all over your body, or in just a few areas.
  • You could be infected with syphilis and have very mild symptoms or none at all.
  • The only way to avoid STI/STDs 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 has negative STI/STD test results;
  • Using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. Condoms prevent transmission 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.
  • Any sexually active person can get syphilis through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
  • Have an honest and open talk with your health care provider and ask whether you should be tested for syphilis or other STI/STDs.
  • Most of the time, a blood test can be used to test for syphilis. Some health care providers will diagnose syphilis by testing fluid from a syphilis sore.
  • Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics from your health care provider.
  • Because syphilis sores can be hidden in the vagina, anus, under the foreskin of the penis, or in the mouth, it may not be obvious that a sex partner has syphilis. Unless you know that your sex partner(s) has been tested and treated, you may be at risk of getting syphilis from an untreated sex partner.

 For more information on Syphilis, click here.