Q. Can syphilis be passed through unprotected sex when the infected person has no sore visible? Can it be passed through semen or bodily fluids ? Or is it direct contact with a rash or sore?

A. A person with syphilis can spread the infection during the first two stages of the disease. If you come in contact with an open sore (first stage) or skin rash (second stage), you can pick up the bacteria that cause the infection. If the bacteria enter your body through an opening such as the penis, anus, vagina, mouth or broken skin, you can get syphilis. Sometimes the sores are very small and may not be visible. If a person has had syphilis for more than two years (latent syphilis), it’s unlikely that he or she can spread the disease.