Feeling unsure about abortion? Wondering if you should cancel your appointment? It’s okay to have questions. Take time to explore...
Read MoreSame Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
Same Day Appointments Available
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can cause serious health problems without treatment. Infection develops in stages (primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary). Each stage can have different signs and symptoms. If you’re concerned about exposure to syphilis, then STI testing is crucial.
You can get syphilis by direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread from a mother to her unborn baby.
The only way to completely avoid STIs is to not have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. If you are sexually active, you can do the following things to lower your chances of getting infected:
Condoms prevent the spread of syphilis by preventing contact with a sore. Sometimes sores occur in areas not covered by a condom. Contact with these sores can still transmit syphilis.
Sexually active people can get syphilis through vaginal, anal, or oral sex without a condom with a partner who is infected. If you are sexually active, have an honest and open talk with your healthcare provider, to include a discussion about your risk level. Ask your provider if you should get tested for this or other STIs.
Syphilis is curable with the right antibiotics from your healthcare provider. However, treatment might not undo any damage the infection has already caused.
All pregnant women should receive testing at their first prenatal visit. Some pregnant women need to receive syphilis testing again during the third trimester (at 28 weeks) and at delivery.
Here at Alcove Health Women’s Clinic, we test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. If you’re concerned about exposure to one of these STIs, call or click here to schedule your STI testing. If you have concerns specifically about an exposure to syphilis, please call us and we will connect you with a resource for local testing.
All of our services – including STI testing – are free and confidential. Reach out today to receive the services you need to protect your reproductive health.
Feeling unsure about abortion? Wondering if you should cancel your appointment? It’s okay to have questions. Take time to explore...
Read More
Learn the signs of anxiety and depression during pregnancy, ways to find support, and where to turn for help.
Read More
We’ve been listening to women for over four decades as they sort through their options, process their feelings, and figure...
Read More
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming. Learn what to expect when you call Alcove Health and how a free,...
Read More