Syphilis

• How do you get it?
  Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is spread through unprotected oral, anal and vaginal sex.  An infected pregnant woman can pass it on to her unborn baby.
• How do you get tested?
  Syphilis testing is usually done by a blood test.
• Does it go away?
  Not on its own!  Syphilis can be treated with an antibiotic.  If not treated, syphilis can be life threatening.  It can also cause permanent damage to your organs, including your heart and brain.
• How do I NOT get syphilis?
  The safest way is choosing not to have sex.  The next best way is to use a condom each and every time you have sex. 
• Where can you get tested?
  At your doctor's/healthcare professional's office, or at the sexual health clinics at the Northwestern Health Unit.