Neither is closing our eyes and hoping for the best. We need to become familiar with other strategies. It's time to take matters into our own hands. We should also be screened for other STDs. Although sores can occur in places a condom doesn't cover, we need to use condoms as often as possible.
Condoms provide at least some level of protection from syphilis.
We can't afford to ignore possible early signs and symptoms such as an isolated painless open sore appearing on the lips, penis or vagina that may emit fluid, or an overall body rash that also appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. We need to be on the lookout for these signs and symptoms in our partners as well. We need to work toward delaying sex with new partners until we've had time to ask them key questions and get a good indication of their sexual and testing history. It's intimidating at first, but with practice it can be done. When possible, we can ask a potential sex partner about their STD testing history outright.