Prevention

Self-care can effectively prevent an initial infection of or reinfection with syphilis or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

• Practicing safe sex to prevent STDs. Limit your sex partners, know whether your partner engages in risky sexual behaviors, and use a condom during sex. Using a condom is the best way to protect yourself from STDs.
• Buying and storing condoms. Buy condoms sold in the United States where strict safety standards must be met. Keep the condom in the wrapper until you are ready to use it, and be sure to check the expiration date before using it.
• How to use condoms. Put the condom on the erect penis before intercourse begins. At the end of intercourse, secure the condom by pressing on the bottom of the condom (by the hairline), and pull out while the penis is still hard to keep the semen inside the condom.
• Extra protection for women. The female condom is a tube of soft plastic with a closed end and can be inserted up to 8 hours before sexual intercourse. It cannot be used at the same time as a male condom.