Compare STD testing services and options.

Syphilis is a bacterial infection that is caused by the pathogen Treponema pallidum, or T. pallidum.

Although it can be argued that using protection will not necessarily do anything if the person wearing them is not infected, it can still be answered by the fact that penetrative intercourse is a transmission environment for both individuals participating – making you just as susceptible as your partner. Despite knowing that you are indeed safe and clean, performing unprotected sex with an unfamiliar partner or one who does not know their sexual health status is a risk in itself.

Condoms or any protective measure available in the market are designed not to prevent the transmission of STDs but to minimize the risk of contracting the condition upon contact with an infected surface. Condoms, in particular, are notorious for their inconsistency in protecting patients from contracting the disease due to how limited their coverage is. Considering that transmission may likewise occur from areas not covered by the sheet itself, transmission is still possible. However, the point remains that condoms are necessary to, at the very least, lower the risk of contracting or even transmitting the condition, especially in cases where both are unaware of their underlying infections. While it might not be the prevent-all that many would have expected it to be, wearing none is magnitudes worse than wearing one.

Yes. Certain companies offer at-home testing kits wherein you are the one that will collect the specimens necessary for the test at the comfort of your own home. Sure, it might sometimes be subject to errors due to the potential contamination of the sample from collection to transportation, but it does offer a great deal of privacy and convenience for patients who would prefer to have their identities hidden in fear that their community will judge them.