People living with HIV who become infected with syphilis, or know they have been exposed to syphilis, should be treated promptly. The progression to neurosyphilis can occur very rapidly in people with compromised immune systems. Therefore, if you are HIV+ and have been exposed to syphilis, it is very important for your continued health and well being to be treated right away.
Infection with both HIV and syphilis is a troublesome combination. People who are co-infected with both HIV and syphilis are three to five times more likely to transmit HIV through unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex.
Having a sexually transmitted disease like syphilis also makes it easier to become infected with HIV if their partner has HIV infection.
If you’re at risk for syphilis, we encourage you to get tested for syphilis every three months. A number of medical providers urge sexually active individuals with HIV who have partners whose syphilis status is not known get tested for syphilis every three months.
Why? Syphilis makes it easier to get or give HIV, 3 to 5 times easier in fact. And syphilis can advance very rapidly in HIV-positive people. Please talk with a medical provider for more specific recommendations.
If you’re at risk, get tested.