People who have multiple or unknown sex partners or partners who are involved in any high-risk sexual practices are at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Individuals who recognize that they are at risk have taken the first step toward prevention.

Total abstinence is the only way to completely avoid the possibility of infection with a sexually transmitted disease. Monogamous sex with a healthy partner is lower risk, and protected sex using condoms also dramatically reduces risk. Condoms act as a barrier to the transmission of infectious organisms (pathogens) and should be used in any and all situations that could be considered risky.

Syphilis is a "reportable disease" as required by law. The infection must be reported to public health authorities. Information acquired from reporting helps public health investigators identify, locate, and treat infected sexual contacts, which helps prevent continued spread of disease.