Syphilis is a potentially deadly sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can be cured with antibiotics. If you do not have syphilis, or if you previously experienced the illness and wish to avoid contracting it in the future, follow the steps below to prevent syphilis.
Method 1 of 2: Practice Safe Sex
1Sexually active individuals must take precautions to avoid contracting STI's such as syphilis. If you are not monogamous, barrier contraceptives (proper condom use), regular testing, and careful avoidance of risk can help keep you syphilis-free.Ad
2Practice abstinence or maintain a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. One of the simplest ways to avoid syphilis is to avoid sexual contact with an infected individual.
3Properly use a condom. Although condom use is not always 100% effective in preventing the transmission of syphilis, it is one of the best ways to avoid contracting a sexually transmitted disease if your partner is infected. Never use a torn or punctured condom, and use a new condom for each sexual encounter.
4Encourage your partner to get testing and treatment before participating in sexual activity. If you have a new sexual partner or if you and your partner have not recently been tested for STIs, request a comprehensive panel of tests for STIs for both of you. If you are both free of syphilis and other infections, remaining mutually monogamous can help eliminate the risk of syphilis transmission.
5Avoid sexual contact if either partner has visible sores, discharge, blisters, or bumps on or around the genitals. These can indicate a potential syphilis infection or the presence of another STI. Contact with the sores or blisters of an individual with syphilis can transfer the infection to you. Do not touch infected tissue of a sex partner and if your partner has syphilis you should seek medical attention and treatment before engaging in sexual activity.
Method 2 of 2: Have Regular Check-Ups
1Request STI testing following any unprotected sexual encounters. If you engage in unprotected sexual activity with a new partner or with someone who has other partners, it is crucial to get early testing to prevent complications from potential infections.
2If you become pregnant, get tested for syphilis. Most pregnant women are tested for a large number of STIs and other conditions. Syphilis can be passed to the baby during childbirth. Vertical transmission of syphilis can be prevented if the disease is detected and treated during pregnancy with a course of antibiotics, such as penicillin.
3Get examined for any new sores, blisters, bumps, or rashes. If you begin to exhibit any signs of syphilis – or if your sexual partner shows symptoms of syphilis – it is crucial to get testing and treatment as soon as possible. Syphilis symptoms may disappear after initial infection but reemerge in the secondary and tertiary stages of the illness.Ad
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- Many local health clinics offer free testing for syphilis. Some may also offer free condoms that can be used to prevent infection.
- There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis.
- Avoid alcohol and drug use. The use of these substances may lead to risky sexual behavior that can increase your chances of contracting syphilis.
Sources and Citations
Categories: Sexually Transmitted Diseases
In other languages:
Español: Cómo prevenir la sífilis, Italiano: Come Prevenire la Sifilide, Deutsch: Syphilis verhindern, Português: Como Prevenir a Sífilis, Français: Comment prévenir la syphilis, 中文: 预防梅毒, Русский: предотвратить заражение сифилисом
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