Most people know that you can get Syphilis from sex. But did you know that you can get it in other ways, too?
Today, we’re addressing an important topic that we hear about a lot from our patients: whether Syphilis can be transmitted through saliva. Syphilis has made a comeback in recent years, so it’s important to know how to protect your health from the worst effects of this infection.
Let’s get into it.
Don’t let your health be damaged by this very pernicious STI. Get tested for Syphilis at a sexual health clinic near you.
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This infection is known for its ability to cause serious health problems if left untreated, but it is also highly treatable when detected early. Syphilis progresses through several stages, each with distinct symptoms, making it a complex condition to understand and manage.
In the primary stage, Syphilis typically presents with a painless sore or ulcer, known as a chancre, at the site of infection. This can occur around the genital, anal, or oral areas.
If untreated, the infection progresses to the secondary stage, characterised by symptoms such as rashes, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches.
The latent stage follows, where the infection remains in the body without causing symptoms but can still lead to severe complications, including damage to internal organs like the brain, heart, and nerves.
It’s important to note that many cases of Syphilis don’t present with any symptoms or can produce symptoms so minor that the infected person doesn’t notice them. That’s why it’s important not to determine whether you have an STI by symptoms alone.
Syphilis is primarily transmitted through direct contact with a syphilis sore, also known as a chancre. These sores can tend to appear on the external genitals, vagina, anus, rectum, lips, or inside the mouth. The infection is most commonly spread during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has Syphilis. Syphilis can also be transmitted even if the infected person does not have visible sores or symptoms.
In addition to sexual contact, Syphilis can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, a condition known as congenital Syphilis. This can lead to severe health complications for the baby, including stillbirth or developmental issues.
Although rare, Syphilis can also be spread through blood transfusions if the blood is not properly screened, but this is highly unlikely in countries with rigorous blood donation screening processes.
Because the mouth can be the site of infection, and because Syphilis can be transmitted through direct contact with a chancre, this means that Syphilis can be transmitted orally.
It’s also possible to get or pass on Syphilis through deep kissing, although this is fairly rare and most likely only occurs through direct contact with a chancre. Deep kissing in high-risk areas lined with mucous membranes, like the mouth, can increase transmission.
While Syphilis bacteria can be present in saliva, there isn’t much evidence to suggest that the saliva of an infectious person will transmit Syphilis to another person. For this reason, you’re unlikely to get Syphilis by coming into contact with saliva alone. However, more research is needed in this area.
Preventing Syphilis involves taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your partners.
One of the most effective ways to avoid contracting Syphilis is to practice safe sex and avoid direct contact with Syphilis sores. However, it’s important to remember that sores may not be visible or obvious to either partner, so additional precautions may be necessary.
To minimise the risk of contracting syphilis through oral contact, it’s crucial to be aware of any symptoms and seek regular STI testing, especially if you or your partner have had new or multiple sexual partners.
Regular STI testing is another crucial measure in preventing the spread of Syphilis. If you or your partner have had new or multiple sexual partners, getting tested regularly can help detect syphilis early and ensure timely treatment. Open communication with your sexual partners about STI status and testing history is also essential in maintaining sexual health and preventing the transmission of infections.
Understanding Syphilis and its transmission is crucial for maintaining your sexual health. By being informed about how this infection spreads and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can protect yourself and your partners from this serious infection.
If you’re concerned about your sexual health because of a recent sexual encounter, we recommend getting tested with Better2Know’s Full STI Screen. This screen detects the seven most common STIS in the Middle East, including Syphilis, HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Hepatitis B, Mycoplasma, and Ureaplasma.
Don’t wait to take control of your sexual health. Click the button below to book your STI test and get the answers you need.
Don’t leave your sexual health to chance. Get tested with Better2Know today.