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Syphilis
 Research
 Understanding
  Cause
  Transmission
  Symptoms
  Diagnosis
  Treatment
  Prevention
  Complications


Syphilis

Transmission

The most common way to get syphilis is by having sexual contact with an infected person. If you are infected, you can pass the bacteria from infected skin or mucous membranes (linings), usually your genital area, lips, mouth, or anus, to the mucous membranes or skin of your sexual partner.

The bacteria are fragile, so you cannot get syphilis from sharing food or utensils, or from using tubs, pools, or toilets.

Syphilis can be passed from mother to infant during pregnancy, causing a disease called congenital syphilis.


Volunteer for Clinical Studies
Volunteer for NIAID-funded clinical studies related to syphilis on ClinicalTrials.gov.

See Also

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections News Releases
  • Related Links

    View a list of links for more information about the syphilis.



    Volunteer for Clinical Studies
    Volunteer for NIAID-funded clinical studies related to syphilis on ClinicalTrials.gov.

    See Also

  • Sexually Transmitted Infections
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections News Releases
  • Related Links

    View a list of links for more information about the syphilis.