Therefore, syphilis can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Safer sex practices can reduce the spread of syphilis. A barrier method, such as a condom, can help reduce a person's risk. Some male condoms are made with the spermicide nonoxynol-9, which helps kill some organisms that cause STDs.
Female condoms provide some protection against infection.
Anyone diagnosed with syphilis should encourage his or her recent sexual partners to be screened and treated. People infected with the AIDS virus, as well as certain other STDs, should be tested for syphilis. Pregnant women should be screened for syphilis and treated if positive. Diagnosis of syphilis begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider may order an antibody titer blood test .