Syphyilis Causes & Risks

Causes

Syphilis is caused by the bacterium, Treponema pallidum . It is passed through direct contact with a syphilis lesion. The contact can happen through:

Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person
A pregnant woman who passes the infection to her unborn baby (called congenital syphilis )
Blood exposure, such as through illegal drug use, or rarely, blood transfusions

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of syphillis include:

Age: 15 to 34
Having sex with a person infected with syphilis
Having multiple sex partners
Not using a latex condom during vaginal, anal, or oral sex (in a relationship that is not mutually faithful or where syphilis status is unknown)
Touching a syphilis lesion
Past or current sexually transmitted disease

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