NHS Choices Condition
Content supplied by NHS Choices
Syphilis is caused by a bacterial organism called treponema pallidum. The bacteria can then enter your body through close contact with an infected sore, normally during vaginal, anal or oral sex, or by sharing sex toys.
Syphilis can also be spread through blood transfusions. All blood transfusions in the UK are routinely screened (tested) for syphilis. However, it may be possible to catch the condition if you are an intravenous drug user, and you share a needle with somebody who is infected.
Pregnant women can also pass the condition on to their unborn babies.
Like most bacteria, treponema pallidum cannot survive for long outside the human body. Because of this, syphilis cannot be spread from using the same toilet, clothing, cutlery or bathroom as an infected person.
view information about Syphilis on www.nhs.co.uk »Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here
Bookmark with