Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Syphilis is a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of infection.
  • Syphilis is curable but, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications.
  • A simple blood test can detect syphilis.
  • It is important to let your sexual partner or partners know that you have syphilis so that they can be tested and treated. Your local doctor or sexual health centre can help you to do this.
  • Always have safe sex – use a condom, and water-based lubricant for all types of sex. Syphilis may also be spread through unprotected oral sex. 
  • Women can pass syphilis infection to their babies during pregnancy. Syphilis can cause miscarriage, serious birth defects in babies and stillbirth (where a baby is born dead). 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 31-08-2022