Prepared by: Bratislav Prokić, June 2023
Review: Dr. Milan Bjekić, dermatovenerologist,
City Institute for Skin and Venereal Diseases – Belgrade
Can I get syphilis?
Anyone who has sex (oral, vaginal or anal) can get syphilis.
How is syphilis transmitted?
Syphilis is transmitted from person to person, by direct contact with a syphilitic sore called a “hard chancre” (it can be on the penis, in the mouth, vagina, anus or around them), or by contact with the bodily fluids of an infected sexual partner (semen, vaginal secretions, saliva). Sex toys can also be contaminated.
How is syphilis not transmitted?
Syphilis is not transmitted by objects such as glasses, cutlery, clothes, toilet seats, or by using swimming pools and saunas.
Does a condom protect against syphilis?
Correct and regular use of condoms (including for oral sex) reduces the risk of syphilis, but the condom only covers the male genital organ, not other parts of the anogenital region where infectious syphilitic changes can be found.
Can syphilis be passed from mother to child?
Yes. Syphilis in pregnancy can cause miscarriage, birth of a dead child, a child with physical damage, low body weight, etc.