What causes syphilis?

Transmission can occur during vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact when skin or moist tissue touches an infectious sore. The sore may be painless and hidden inside the mouth, vagina, rectum, or under the foreskin, so a partner may not know it is present. Syphilis can also pass from a pregnant person to the developing baby. It is not spread by casual contact such as sharing toilets, pools, utensils, or everyday clothing.

Arrange medical assessment and STI screening after a relevant exposure, a new sore, an unexplained rash, or a partner's positive diagnosis. Give the clinician the exposure timing, sites of sexual contact, pregnancy status, and medication allergies. If testing confirms infection, follow the complete antibiotic plan, avoid sexual contact until advised, and tell recent partners so they can be assessed. A previous infection does not prevent a new one.

Seek prompt care for a genital, anal, or oral sore, a rash involving the palms or soles, or swollen glands after sexual contact. Get urgent help for vision changes, hearing changes, severe headache, weakness, confusion, or difficulty walking. Pregnancy with a known exposure or positive test also warrants prompt contact with the maternity team.

Ask which exposure sites need testing, whether a repeat test is needed, how partners will be notified, and which treatment plan fits the infection stage. Ask whether additional STI screening is recommended and when follow-up is due.