Syphilis prevention: Simple and effective strategies
Syphilis is a preventable infection, and with the right knowledge and actions, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting it. Prevention focuses on safe sexual practices, regular testing, and open communication with sexual partners. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping yourself syphilis-free.
Key prevention strategies
Use condoms consistently and correctly
Condoms provide significant protection against syphilis when used consistently and correctly. The CDC emphasizes that while condoms do not guarantee complete protection, they greatly reduce the risk of transmission during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.¹ Syphilis sores can occur in areas not covered by a condom, so consistent use is crucial in reducing risk.² To complement safe sex practices, routine testing with the First to Know Syphilis Test can provide early detection of the infection, ensuring prompt treatment.
Limit the number of sexual partners
Reducing the number of sexual partners lowers your risk of exposure to syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections. Engaging in a mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has tested negative for STIs further reduces your risk.³ Regular testing helps ensure both partners are aware of their sexual health status.
Get regular STI testing
Regular testing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of syphilis. The CDC recommends that sexually active individuals, especially those with multiple partners, get tested for syphilis at least once a year.⁴ Early detection can prevent serious health complications and reduce the chance of spreading the infection to others.⁵ NowDx’s First to Know Syphilis Test offers a fast, reliable way to stay on top of your sexual health, with results available in just minutes.
Have open conversations with your partner
Open communication about sexual health with your partner can help reduce the risk of syphilis transmission. Discussing STI testing and results before engaging in sexual activity is a key component of responsible sexual behavior.⁶ The First to Know Syphilis Test allows for convenient testing, making it easier for partners to have honest conversations about their health.
Avoid alcohol and drugs before sex
Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and lead to risky sexual behavior, including unprotected sex. Avoiding substance use before sex can help you make safer decisions and reduce the risk of contracting syphilis.⁷
Why prevention matters
Syphilis can progress through different stages, sometimes with few or no symptoms, making it easy to overlook. Without preventive measures, the infection can go unnoticed and untreated, leading to severe long-term health problems, including damage to the heart, brain, and other organs.⁸ Preventive actions like safe sex practices, regular testing, and open communication are essential to stopping the spread of syphilis and protecting your health.
To help protect yourself, consider using the First to Know Syphilis Test, which provides fast, reliable results, allowing for early detection and treatment.
References:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Condom Effectiveness and STIs,” CDC.gov.
- World Health Organization (WHO), “Condoms and STIs,” WHO.int.
- Mayo Clinic, “Reducing the Risk of STIs,” MayoClinic.org.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Syphilis Testing Guidelines,” CDC.gov.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Regular STD Screening,” CDC.gov.
- American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), “How to Talk to Your Partner About STIs,” ASHA.org.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior,” DrugAbuse.gov.
- Mayo Clinic, “Syphilis Complications,” MayoClinic.org.