What should you know about etiology of syphilis?

The bacterium can enter through tiny breaks in the skin or through moist linings of the genitals, mouth or anus. It can pass during vaginal, anal or oral sex, including when an obvious sore is not seen. A person may have an early painless sore that heals without treatment, followed later by a rash or other illness. Untreated infection can remain in the body and move through different stages. Syphilis can also pass from a pregnant person to a baby, so pregnancy makes prompt testing especially important.

Arrange an STI assessment if you have had sexual contact with someone who has syphilis, notice a new sore or rash, or are worried after a new sexual partner. Testing commonly uses a blood sample and may include a sample from a sore. Avoid sexual contact until a clinician explains your result and treatment plan, and tell recent partners so they can obtain advice. Syphilis is treatable with prescribed antibiotics; do not use leftover medicine or stop a course early.

Seek prompt medical care for a new genital, mouth or anal sore, a widespread rash, unusual vision or hearing changes, severe headache, confusion, or weakness. Contact a clinician urgently if you are pregnant and may have been exposed. These features need assessment because syphilis can affect more than the skin, and early treatment helps prevent further problems.

Ask which tests you need, when testing will be reliable after exposure, whether a partner assessment is needed, and when it is safe to resume sexual contact. You can also ask whether you need testing for other sexually transmitted infections and how follow-up will confirm that treatment has worked.