Dear qbaby,

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted bacterium that can lead to disfigurement, skeletal damage, neurological disorders, or death. It can be passed

• through vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse
• through kissing
• from a woman to a fetus during pregnancy

Syphilis is especially contagious when sores are present early in the disease — the liquid that oozes from them is very infectious. Syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, but damage caused by the disease in the later phases cannot be undone. Condoms offer protection against syphilis during vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. Thankfully, only several hundred cases of syphilis were reported last year — but it is on the increase, especially among gay men in the inner city.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.