Syphilis is a treatable infection that is usually spread through unprotected oral, genital or anal sex with an infected person. The infection can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. The first sign of infection is usually a painless sore on the genitals, anus or inside the mouth that usually goes away and is easy to miss. If left untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems or even death. Not every infected person will have symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you have syphilis is to get tested. If you are sexually active, it is recommended that you:
use condom protection limit and know your sexual partners get tested for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections every time you have a new sexual partner. If you are not in a monogamous relationship, you should get tested more often.
If you are pregnant, you should be tested for syphilis at least 3 times: in the first trimester, at 28-30 weeks and around the time of delivery. If you are thinking of becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you first get a syphilis test. Call your local public health clinic or community health center to make an appointment. Visit www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/syphilis for more information. For media requests, please contact: Jeremy Bird Director, Communications Department of Health and Social Services Government of the Northwest Territories [email protected] (867) 767-9052 ext. 49034
