Syphilis Q&As

Answers to questions about syphilis
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

* Can I catch syphilis though contact with objects like the toilet seat, in swimming pools or saunas?
* Will I be immune from syphilis after treatment?
* Can I catch syphilis though oral sex?

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Can I catch syphilis though contact with objects like the toilet seat, in swimming pools or saunas?
No. To catch syphilis you need to have direct contact with a syphilis sore or rash on a person with the infection.

Explanation
T. pallidum, the bacterium that causes syphilis, can't survive for very long outside of the body. This means you need to have direct contact with someone who has the infection to catch it.

Further information
* Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk

Sources
* Syphilis: general information. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 17 February 2010;

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Will I be immune from syphilis after treatment?
No, treatment doesn't make you immune.

Explanation
Antibiotics used to treat syphilis will kill the bacterial infection that causes it, but you will not be immune and can catch it again if exposed. For this reason, it's important to make sure that you use a condom when having sex to reduce your risks of catching syphilis as well as other STIs.

Further information
* ealth Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk

Sources
* Syphilis: general information. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 17 February 2010;

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Can I catch syphilis though oral sex?
Yes, you can catch and spread syphilis through oral sex.

Explanation
Any contact you have with an infectious syphilis sore can potentially result in you catching syphilis. You can get syphilis sores on your mouth and lips, as well in your genital region. This means oral sex can spread the infection.

People who have unprotected sex (sex without a condom), or who have more than one sexual partner and change partners often, are most at risk. Limiting the number of people you have sexual contact with will cut your exposure and reduce your risk of catching syphilis and other STIs.

Further information
* Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk

Sources
* Syphilis: general information. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 17 February 2010;
* French P. Syphilis. BMJ 2007:143-47;
* Syphilis factsheet
Visit the syphilis factsheet for more information.