What it is
A bacteria called treponema pallidum causes syphilis (sif-ill-us). You can cure syphilis with antibiotics. Symptoms can go away without treatment. But it can still cause serious problems to the person who has it. Syphilis only goes away with treatment.
How it happens
You can catch syphilis from rubbing against the penis, vagina or anus of a person who has it.
You’re more likely to get it if that person has symptoms: sore or a rash. But it still can pass on without these symptoms.
A mum can pass it to her unborn baby, putting the baby at risk.
Protect your body
Syphilis spreads during sex.
- Use a condom. If you’re using a toy, use a fresh condom every time you swap with your partner.
- Use a dental dam for oral sex.
Take the test
Testing is a normal part of being healthy. Get tested every 6 to 12 months for STIs or right away if you see a sore or rash.
To test for syphilis, a doctor or nurse might:
- take a sample of your blood
- take a swab if you have a sore or rash.
All pregnant people are tested for syphilis so it doesn’t pass to the baby.
Treat it
A doctor will give you antibiotics injections to treat syphilis. It will go away with treatment.
If you have it
- Tell people you’ve had sex with so they can do a test. Your doctor or nurse can help you work this out.
- Get retested 3 months after you’ve finished your medicine to make sure it’s gone. Then keep getting tests every 6 to 12 months or as your doctor tells you.
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