Hi

In BC Canada the cases of infectious syphilis we have been seeing are sexually transmitted.

In past years we have had a few cases of having syphilis passed to new born babies if their mother had syphilis.

We find that syphilis passes easily with unprotected oral, vaginal or anal sex. As syphilis is passed with skin to skin contact with syphilis sore’s we find that it can still be passed if condoms are used. Condoms do provide some protection, but it is possible to have skin to skin contact with an area not covered by the condom.

Much of the time syphilis sores are not painful so it is easy for them to be in the mouth, vagina or anus without people knowing. We usually test for syphilis using a blood test and we are finding many people who test positive for syphilis cannot remember having any symptoms. Syphilis can be cured with antiobiotics.

Have a look at our “Know your chances” web page, it provides information on your chances of getting or passing syphilis depending on how you are having sex.

Also have a look at our syphilis page for more information.

Please leave a comment to let us know if this answers your question or if you need more information.

Health Nurse

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