People with multiple sex partners, unknown partners, or sex partners involved in any high-risk sexual practices are at risk for acquiring sexually transmitted diseases. A person who recognizes that he or she is at risk has taken the first step toward prevention.

Ideally, monogamous sex with a healthy partner remains, short of total abstinence, the safest type of sexual relation. Protected sex (that in which condoms are used) is the next most reliable method of preventing STDs.

Condoms act as a barrier to the transmission of infectious organisms (pathogens), and should be used in any and all situations which would be considered risky or high risk. (See condoms for prevention of sexually transmitted disease.)

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