"Talking about syphilis doesn't have to be a big deal... but leaving it diagnosed and untreated could be!"

Cases of syphilis in WA are increasing. It's easy to test for and can be cured with medicine.

How do you get syphilis?

Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI).

STIs are caused by germs that are spread through having sex with someone who has the infection.

Anyone who has vaginal, anal (bum) or oral (mouth) sex without a condom can get syphilis.

Find out about syphilis symptoms

Get tested

The only way to know if you have syphilis is to ask your healthcare worker for a syphilis blood test.

If there is a sore or ulcer, they will need to take a swab test as well.

You should get a test if you:

• have had sex without a condom, or if the condom fell off or the condom broke
• have more than one sex partner since your last STI test
• have discharge, pain, or sores in or on the penis, vulva, vagina, rectum (bum) or mouth
• get told by a sex partner that they have tested positive for an STI
• can’t remember if you had sex or if a condom was used
• you and your partner are only having sex with each other and would like to stop using condoms (other contraception choices may need to be considered to prevent pregnancy)
• are not using condoms because you and your partner want to have a baby.

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Syphilis in pregnancy

Syphilis can put your baby’s life at risk.

If a pregnant woman has syphilis it can be passed on to the baby.

So, if you know someone is pregnant, look out for mum and bub by helping them to see a healthcare worker for a syphilis blood test.

Make sure you get tested early and often throughout pregnancy.

Protecting our babies from syphilis takes all of us!

Any sexual partners should also get tested and treated. If they don’t get treated it is possible for then to give syphilis back to you.

Read more syphilis in pregnancy.

Early treatment works well

If you have syphilis, you will get medicine through a needle (antibiotics).

When you have had all the medicine, you need to go back to the clinic for another test to make sure you are cured.

What happens if you don't get treated?

People can carry syphilis germs for many years, and the germs can damage their brains, hearts and other parts of their body.

Even if you have no sores or other signs of syphilis, it can still be damaging your body on the inside.

Syphilis germs stay in your body until you get treated. If you don’t get treated, you can pass it on to anyone you have sex with.

Let your partners know

If you have been treated for an STI, it is important to let your sex partner(s) know.

If you or your sex partners are not treated, you may get syphilis again.

How do you stop syphilis?

Talk

If you have been treated for an STI, it is important to let your sex partner(s) know.

Test

Get an STI test and have regular health checks. Make sure your STI test includes a blood test.

Protect

Use condoms and water-based lube every time you have sex.

If you are trying to have a baby, have sex with only your partner.