CPH_KnowHIV_WebsiteImageAsset_Header_SyphilisScreening

Living with or at risk of HIV? Get the support you deserve, not judgement. Find an ally for your health.

Find a Provider

 

Sexual Health Clinic

(614) 645-7774
Spanish: (614) 645-6757

Mon: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Tue: 10 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Wed: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thu: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

 

Women's Health Clinic

(614) 645-1850
Mon: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Tue: 10 a.m. - 6:15 p.m.
Wed: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Thu: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

 

First Sat of the month:
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Learn More



Get checked all the way out. It’s important and easy.

You may be at higher risk for the sexually transmitted infection (STI) syphilis than you know. Right now, nearly 80% of men with syphilis have sex with other men, and half of those diagnosed with syphilis are living with HIV. That’s important because syphilis can make it easier to acquire and pass on HIV. The good news? Syphilis is easy to cure. And adding an affordable syphilis screening to your usual HIV test means doctors will give your blood an extra look—without poking you with an extra needle.

Bicillin L-A® Shortage & Prioritization for Treatment of Syphilis

Who should get tested?

Everyone having sex should get an STI check-up at least once a year. But for people with a higher risk should consider adding syphilis screenings to a 3- or 6-month HIV testing schedule. That includes:

  • Pregnant women, in their first and third trimesters and at delivery
  • Men who have sex with men
  • Trans women who have unprotected sex
  • Anyone who has sex with someone who is HIV-positive
  • Those who share works or equipment when injecting steroids, hormones, silicone or drugs
  • People who have sex for a living or exchange sex for drugs
  • Individuals who have been diagnosed with syphilis in the last 12 months
  • Anyone with a sexual partner who has engaged in the behaviors on this list

Get to know the syphilis basics

Just like HIV, the more you know about how easy syphilis testing, prevention and treatment can be, the less you have to fear. So learn more—and share what you know with your friends and sexual partners. It’s important.

CPH_KnowHIV_WebsiteImageAsset_Square_ManWithCondom

Wrap it up Syphilis is transmitted when people come into direct contact with a syphilis sore during anal, vaginal or oral sex. The sores are usually small and painless, so they’re easy to overlook. That’s why it’s a good idea to use protection, like condoms and dental dams, and get tested regularly.

CPH_KnowHIV_WebsiteImageAsset_Square_HoldingBloodSample

Talk to your doc Syphilis is sneaky. Early signs of infection can be mild: small sores that don’t hurt or a rash that doesn’t itch. But a simple blood test can detect syphilis right away. You can even check for it during your usual HIV test. So make sure your provider knows syphilis care matters to you.

CPH_KnowHIV_WebsiteImageAsset_Square_TalkingWithDoctor2

Get tested regularly Syphilis can be cured with the right antibiotics. But treatment doesn’t undo the serious damage syphilis can do to your heart, brain and nervous system. Plus, having syphilis once doesn’t protect you from getting it again. Stay on it. Make regular testing a part of your health care plan.

Talk to your doctor

Want to take charge of your sexual health? Then get ready to open up. Learning how to by ask questions and talk about the tough stuff can help you build a trusted partnership with your HIV heath care provider—and an HIV prevention and treatment plan that works for you. Get Talk Tips