How can you get syphilis?
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterium that can lead to disfigurement, skeletal damage, neurological disorders, or death. It can be passed
- through vaginal, anal, and oral sex
- through kissing (though not as likely as through intercourse)
- from a woman to a fetus during pregnancy
Syphilis is especially contagious when sores are present early in the disease — the liquid that oozes from them is very infectious. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but damage caused by the disease in the later phases cannot be undone. Condoms offer protection against syphilis during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.