Transmission of Syphilis

Syphilis bacteria can spread from the sores of an infected person to the genital area, the mouth, or the anus of a sex partner. The bacteria can also pass through broken skin on other parts of the body. Syphilis is rarely, if ever, spread by contact with objects such as toilet seats or towels. An infected pregnant woman can pass the disease to her unborn child. The disease can cause serious mental and physical problems in babies.

The most common way to get syphilis is by having sex with an infected person. Your chances of getting syphilis and other STDs are higher if you have multiple sex partners, have sex with an infected partner, have a history of STDs, and do not use condoms. You can protect yourself from syphilis by not touching sores, body parts where rash appears, and body fluids of a person with syphilis.