Congenital Syphilis Prevention

A: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and you can get it by having sex (oral, anal, or vaginal) with another person who has syphilis. Syhphilis can affect anyone who has unprotected sex. To prevent Syphilis, use condoms every time you have sex - vaginal, anal, or oral - and get regular screenings - you and your partner - for STIs.

A: When Syphilis is passed from a pregnant woman to her baby, it's known as Congenital Syphilis. Syphilis can affect anyone who has unprotected sex. If you are pregnant, you can still get Syphilis (and pass it to you baby)  through unprotected sex - oral, anal, or vaginal - with someone who has Syphilis. The good news is Syphilis is treatable and curable with antibiotics.

A:  The only way to know for sure if you have Syphilis is to get a simple blood test. If you are sexually active, you should get tested for Syphilis. Local Health Departments in Tennessee can confidentially test you and your partner for Syphilis and other STIs anytime at little or no cost. Common signs and symptoms of Syphilis include: Small sores on genitals, bottom, or mouth; Rash on your chest, back, palms, and feet; and Flu-like symptoms. Symptoms can change at each stage of Syphilis and some people may not notice any symptoms. So, it is best to be regularly tested for Syphilis and other STIs. Even if your symptoms go away, Syphilis can still be in your body causing damage.

A: If you are pregnant, you should be tested in the first and third trimesters of your pregnancy for Syphilis. Anyone can get Syphilis, even pregnant women, through unprotected sex with a partner who may  also have Syphilis . Syphilis is treatable and curable with antibiotics. To prevent a baby being born with Syphilis, the pregnant woman must receive treatment as least 30 days before delivery. This is why getting screened for Syphilis, and other STIs, is so important when you are pregnant. You can get a confidential screening for Syphilis at Tennessee County Health Departments. The local health department can also notify your partner(s) to be tested and to get treatment if needed.

A: Yes! Syphilis is treatable and curable with antibiotics. If you have Syphilis and you are treated right away, you can prevent irreversible damage to your heart and brain, deafness or blindness, and other serious health problems. You can get a confidential screening for Syphilis at Local Health Departments in Tennessee. The local health department can also notify your partner(s) anonymously to get tested also and treated if needed. 

A: Congenital Syphilis can lead to serious health problems for your baby, including: Being born too early or too small; Dying before birth; Skin, bone, and joint damage; Developmental delays; Brain damage causing seizures; and Lifelong problems with eyes, ears, and teeth. Local Health Departments in Tennessee can confidentially test you for Syphillis at any time at little or no cost. If you are sexually active, even if you are pregnant, you should be tested for Syphilis.

A: If you're diagnosed with syphilis, you should complete treatment as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection. Your health provider will usually prescribe antibiotics, such as penicillin, to treat syphilis. The CDC recommends a single injection of long-acting Benzathine penicillin G for early-stage syphilis, and three doses at weekly intervals for late latent syphilis. If you're allergic to penicillin, your health care team may suggest another antibiotic. If you are diagnosed with syphilis, it is important to share the names of partners with your provider or your local health department. If you are not comfortable sharing partner names, there is a confidential tool available to anonymously notify partners they may have been exposed to an STI.

A: Yes. It is possible to get Syphilis again if you are re-exposed through unprotected sex with a partner who has Syphilis and has not received treatment. Symptoms can change at each stage of Syphilis and some people may not notice any symptoms. So, it is best to be regularly tested for Syphilis and other STIs. Even if your symptoms go away, Syphilis can still be in your body causing damage.