References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Syphilis mainly spreads through direct contact with a syphilitic sore (chancre) during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Non-sexual transmission is rare but possible — through mother-to-baby transmission, sharing needles, or very rarely through kissing if an oral chancre is present. Casual contact does not spread syphilis.
Order a discreet home STI test
Transmission Routes
| Route | How Common |
|---|---|
| Sexual contact with a chancre | Main route |
| Mother to baby (congenital) | Preventable with screening |
| Sharing needles | Rare |
| Kissing (oral chancre) | Very rare |
| Blood transfusion | Screened out in UK |
| Toilet seats, shared items | No |
Why Casual Contact Is Safe
- T. pallidum dies quickly outside the body
- Needs direct contact with infected tissue
- Can’t survive on surfaces
Read more: What is syphilis? | T. pallidum | STIs without sex
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch syphilis from a toilet?
No.
Can babies be born with syphilis?
Yes — antenatal screening prevents this.
Can I catch it from kissing?
Only if there’s an active oral chancre, which is rare.
Related reading
- Blood Test for Syphilis, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
