Syphilis Transmission: What You Need to Know

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can move from one person to another very quickly if you don’t take the right precautions. Knowing the exact ways it spreads helps you spot danger early and keep yourself and your partners safe.

Common Ways Syphilis Is Transmitted

The main route is direct contact with a syphilis sore, called a chancre. These sores show up on the genitals, rectum, mouth, or even on the skin. Even if the sore looks small or you can’t see it, it can still pass the bacteria to anyone who has skin‑to‑skin contact.

Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person is the biggest risk. The bacteria can travel through the tiny cuts or moisture in the mouth and throat, which is why oral sex also counts.

Sharing sex toys without cleaning them between uses spreads the infection just as easily as direct contact. If a toy has been in contact with a chancre, the bacteria can live on the surface for a short time.

Rarely, a pregnant woman can pass syphilis to her baby through the placenta. This is called congenital syphilis and can cause serious health problems for the newborn.

Touching a sore and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can also introduce the bacteria, though this is less common. Good hand hygiene after any intimate contact keeps this risk low.

Practical Tips to Prevent Transmission

Use condoms or dental dams every time you have sex, even if you’re in a monogamous relationship. Condoms don’t cover every area, but they dramatically cut the chance of contact with a chancre.

Get tested regularly. If you or your partner notice any sore, rash, or unusual skin change, pause sexual activity and see a healthcare provider right away. Early testing catches the infection before it spreads.

Don’t share sex toys without cleaning them. Wash with warm water and soap or use a condom over the toy each time you switch partners.

Talk openly with partners about STI history and testing. A simple conversation can save weeks of worry and a lot of health trouble.

If you’re pregnant, insist on a syphilis test early in prenatal care. Treatment with antibiotics can protect both you and the baby.

Remember that antibiotics can clear syphilis, but they must be taken exactly as prescribed. Skipping doses or stopping early can let the infection linger and become harder to treat.

Finally, keep an eye on your body. Early syphilis often shows a painless sore that disappears on its own, which can fool you into thinking you’re fine. When the sore is gone, the bacteria is still active, and you can unknowingly spread it.

By staying aware of how syphilis moves from person to person and by following these practical steps, you take control of your health and protect the people you care about.