Aa
Sex life after Sphyllis
Hi,
I am 25 year old male. I was in a 100% monogamus relationship with my male partner. We are sexually active since 2.5 years. We never have unsafe sex. 1 month ago I got a kind of pimple on my penis. I went to my doctor. After tests I was told that I have syphillis. Because my only contact was my partner. Not to mention I am totally devasted and our relationship is not any good.
3 years ago my partner had got syphillis. He went to his doctor who perscribed him anti-biotics and his rash on penis went away. He was badly informed and he did not go for any checkups further.
I have got 2 injection shots and have been told to come back after 3 months to have blood tests. And then regular blood tests for 2 years.
Meanwhile he is also tested positive and has got 1 shot as the concetration was very very low in his blood.
My questions are - We have not had any oral contact after medication or anal penetration. Only handjobs, thus no contact of penis together.
Is it safe for him to masturbate me? What kind of sexual contact is safe? What are the chances that we can re-infect each other? Is it safe to that his body parts (chest, stomach) come in contact with my sperm?
How long and how often do i need to go for tests? Chances that I will recover.
i appreciate your response as the information online is lots and very confusing.
I am 25 year old male. I was in a 100% monogamus relationship with my male partner. We are sexually active since 2.5 years. We never have unsafe sex. 1 month ago I got a kind of pimple on my penis. I went to my doctor. After tests I was told that I have syphillis. Because my only contact was my partner. Not to mention I am totally devasted and our relationship is not any good.
3 years ago my partner had got syphillis. He went to his doctor who perscribed him anti-biotics and his rash on penis went away. He was badly informed and he did not go for any checkups further.
I have got 2 injection shots and have been told to come back after 3 months to have blood tests. And then regular blood tests for 2 years.
Meanwhile he is also tested positive and has got 1 shot as the concetration was very very low in his blood.
My questions are - We have not had any oral contact after medication or anal penetration. Only handjobs, thus no contact of penis together.
Is it safe for him to masturbate me? What kind of sexual contact is safe? What are the chances that we can re-infect each other? Is it safe to that his body parts (chest, stomach) come in contact with my sperm?
How long and how often do i need to go for tests? Chances that I will recover.
i appreciate your response as the information online is lots and very confusing.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Ugh. Your bf seems to be getting really lousy treatment. You don't treat syphilis simply based on the number on the test. What was his actual test result?
If it was low enough, it might mean an old infection. Its unfortunate that he didn't have any follow up testing previously, because a lot could be determined by comparing the old results to the new ones. If he had been tested before, then you would be able to tell if he was infected again by a rise in the numbers. Without those tests, its hard to tell, unless this time his result was a 1:1 to a 1:4.
It would also be helpful to know if he had any confirmation tests done. If the first test, probably an RPR or VDRL, was positive, they should do a confirmation test. If the confirmation test was also positive, this could indicate the old infection wasn't ever cured or he has a new infection. If his confirmation test was negative, then that means it was an old infection that has been cured.
Also, one shot vs two would depend entirely on the dose of meds in each shot. Some of the prefilled injections contain enough for one full dose, others come in doses where you need two shots to fill one full dose.
Right now, you both need to avoid any sexual contact for at least a week post treatment. I can advise more about that when I get the information about his test results. If its an old infection that wasn't cured, he needs a series of shots - once a week for 3 weeks. If that's the case, you all need to avoid contact for 3 weeks.
You can still kiss, and can still do handjobs, etc., and you can ejaculate on other body parts.
I would wonder though, if this is a new infection, if you all have been tested for other stds as well.
I hope this helps. I know its confusing. Please ask for clarification if you need it.
Aj
If it was low enough, it might mean an old infection. Its unfortunate that he didn't have any follow up testing previously, because a lot could be determined by comparing the old results to the new ones. If he had been tested before, then you would be able to tell if he was infected again by a rise in the numbers. Without those tests, its hard to tell, unless this time his result was a 1:1 to a 1:4.
It would also be helpful to know if he had any confirmation tests done. If the first test, probably an RPR or VDRL, was positive, they should do a confirmation test. If the confirmation test was also positive, this could indicate the old infection wasn't ever cured or he has a new infection. If his confirmation test was negative, then that means it was an old infection that has been cured.
Also, one shot vs two would depend entirely on the dose of meds in each shot. Some of the prefilled injections contain enough for one full dose, others come in doses where you need two shots to fill one full dose.
Right now, you both need to avoid any sexual contact for at least a week post treatment. I can advise more about that when I get the information about his test results. If its an old infection that wasn't cured, he needs a series of shots - once a week for 3 weeks. If that's the case, you all need to avoid contact for 3 weeks.
You can still kiss, and can still do handjobs, etc., and you can ejaculate on other body parts.
I would wonder though, if this is a new infection, if you all have been tested for other stds as well.
I hope this helps. I know its confusing. Please ask for clarification if you need it.
Aj
Hi,
thanks for your feedback. I would wonder what is your background that I could rely on the above information.
Yes, he did get a very lousy treatment. Well , he got a course of anti-biotics. And then he was not informed about follow up tests. We have been tested for all other stds and have been tested negative for them.
As for his blood tests, confirmation tests etc. It is the old infection, that was not fully cured.
We do not plan to have any sexual contact - oral or anal. After I discovered that he had a history with STD. I went away for 10 days. 10 days after shots , and his 12 hours. We saw each other, and cuddled and he gave me a handjob. And then few over the next days. But the stress of doing something and getting sick again and living under the same roof is very very high.
So, I would like to clarify - if it was ok to do the hand job and sperm on chest?
Phew...........
thanks for your feedback. I would wonder what is your background that I could rely on the above information.
Yes, he did get a very lousy treatment. Well , he got a course of anti-biotics. And then he was not informed about follow up tests. We have been tested for all other stds and have been tested negative for them.
As for his blood tests, confirmation tests etc. It is the old infection, that was not fully cured.
We do not plan to have any sexual contact - oral or anal. After I discovered that he had a history with STD. I went away for 10 days. 10 days after shots , and his 12 hours. We saw each other, and cuddled and he gave me a handjob. And then few over the next days. But the stress of doing something and getting sick again and living under the same roof is very very high.
So, I would like to clarify - if it was ok to do the hand job and sperm on chest?
Phew...........
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, the hand jobs and sperm on your chest are fine.
I have worked in the STD field for a long time, as an educator and disease intervention specialist. I'm one of those friendly public health workers that call you to find out about partners, etc., when you test positive for certain infections. I don't know if they have them in the Netherlands.
If your bf had been on my caseload with his first test, I would have made sure he understood he needed follow up testing, etc.
As long as you avoid oral and anal, you should be fine, and now you know what to do for follow up, and how to avoid re-infection, which should help too.
Hope this helps your stress level.
Aj
I have worked in the STD field for a long time, as an educator and disease intervention specialist. I'm one of those friendly public health workers that call you to find out about partners, etc., when you test positive for certain infections. I don't know if they have them in the Netherlands.
If your bf had been on my caseload with his first test, I would have made sure he understood he needed follow up testing, etc.
As long as you avoid oral and anal, you should be fine, and now you know what to do for follow up, and how to avoid re-infection, which should help too.
Hope this helps your stress level.
Aj
Does it mean we have to avoid any kind of sexual contact (anal or oral) till both of us clean?
I tried to get doctor's opinion on this forum. He seems to be so unfriendly. Is willing to give all sorts of comments about my post etc etc. But finds it painful to give his opinion.
I tried to get doctor's opinion on this forum. He seems to be so unfriendly. Is willing to give all sorts of comments about my post etc etc. But finds it painful to give his opinion.
Also what about dry sex. So like feeling each other when we are only wearing an underwear? or though clothes?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Well, you didn't post your own thread in the experts forum. If he commented on your situation without you posting your own thread there, he would have to do that for everyone, and that would end up with him looking at so many threads, he wouldn't ever be able to sleep. Its not personal, and he's a nice man, he just can't give advice to everyone, ya know?
In any case, yes, you do need to avoid oral and anal and any naked genital to genital contact at least until a week past the last treatment your bf gets. He really should be getting a shot a week for 3 weeks, since he's had this for so long.
Through clothes is fine.
Aj
In any case, yes, you do need to avoid oral and anal and any naked genital to genital contact at least until a week past the last treatment your bf gets. He really should be getting a shot a week for 3 weeks, since he's had this for so long.
Through clothes is fine.
Aj
hi,
i spoke to someone from helpline (function like yours). They also mentioned and confirmed same stuff. Handjobs are fine, sperm on body is fine. They also said that we could practise safe sex.
They mentioned same thing as your did about screening and confirmation tests.
They said antibodies stay for lifetime in your body, so it was very essential that my partner had confirmation test.
MY Question is - Do anti bodies stay in body for life time? What does it mean?
Am I at further risk or it is going to be a problem while I go for blood checks in another country, place?
i spoke to someone from helpline (function like yours). They also mentioned and confirmed same stuff. Handjobs are fine, sperm on body is fine. They also said that we could practise safe sex.
They mentioned same thing as your did about screening and confirmation tests.
They said antibodies stay for lifetime in your body, so it was very essential that my partner had confirmation test.
MY Question is - Do anti bodies stay in body for life time? What does it mean?
Am I at further risk or it is going to be a problem while I go for blood checks in another country, place?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there -
Some people will have antibodies for life, but the test results should be a 1:1 or a 1:2. If it's that low, then there shouldn't be a problem. You might want to get a note or letter from your doctor, on letterhead, that says that you have been treated for syphilis, what the treatment was, and when, so you can have that with your travel documents.
Since yours was treated very early, you might not have any issues, and might test completely negative. Your partner, however, will probably always have antibodies.
Aj
Some people will have antibodies for life, but the test results should be a 1:1 or a 1:2. If it's that low, then there shouldn't be a problem. You might want to get a note or letter from your doctor, on letterhead, that says that you have been treated for syphilis, what the treatment was, and when, so you can have that with your travel documents.
Since yours was treated very early, you might not have any issues, and might test completely negative. Your partner, however, will probably always have antibodies.
Aj
What does it mean to have anti-bodies for life? What are the consequences of the same?
COMMUNITY LEADER
It doesn't mean anything, really. For some infections, having antibodies means you can't get it again. Chicken pox is this way.
For others, it means little or nothing, and this is the case for syphilis. You could still get it again.
Antibodies are what your body makes to fight off germs. When your body was exposed to the syphilis bacteria, for example, your immune system recognized it as an invader, and started making antibodies to help fight it off. Some people will always have a slight number of these antibodies for syphilis, others won't.
Aj
For others, it means little or nothing, and this is the case for syphilis. You could still get it again.
Antibodies are what your body makes to fight off germs. When your body was exposed to the syphilis bacteria, for example, your immune system recognized it as an invader, and started making antibodies to help fight it off. Some people will always have a slight number of these antibodies for syphilis, others won't.
Aj
TPHA -pos
VDRL - 1 : 16
FTA - abs. pos
You asked me sometime ago the details of tests of my partner. I have managed to get them. Can you please let me know what this means? How good or bad they are? Your comments and time appreciated.
VDRL - 1 : 16
FTA - abs. pos
You asked me sometime ago the details of tests of my partner. I have managed to get them. Can you please let me know what this means? How good or bad they are? Your comments and time appreciated.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Looks like an old infection, still positive though.
The 1:16 means its not new, and the TPHA and FTA means its definitely a positive. (Are you sure its TPHA and not TPPA?)
He really needs to be treated once a week for 3 weeks. I can't tell you how important that is.
Here is what the CDC has to say about it, though I don't think you are in the US. Its a good, though technical, explanation of it. Your partner would fall into the late latent category.
Aj
The 1:16 means its not new, and the TPHA and FTA means its definitely a positive. (Are you sure its TPHA and not TPPA?)
He really needs to be treated once a week for 3 weeks. I can't tell you how important that is.
Here is what the CDC has to say about it, though I don't think you are in the US. Its a good, though technical, explanation of it. Your partner would fall into the late latent category.
Aj
It probably is TPPA, in european language it is TPHA (i think). Well, I cannot force the doctors to treat him once a week for 3 weeks. I do understand how important it is.
They said 1 dose was fine. and then control after 3 months.
They know his history though.
I m not in the states.
How should I read my tests later? I know I am in the primary phase. What should it turn out to be?
I really appreciate the time you have taken.
They said 1 dose was fine. and then control after 3 months.
They know his history though.
I m not in the states.
How should I read my tests later? I know I am in the primary phase. What should it turn out to be?
I really appreciate the time you have taken.
COMMUNITY LEADER
I can't tell you what it will be, but the result will be a lot higher, most likely.
The good news for your bf (sort of) is that in 3 months, he will still be positive, won't have the four-fold drop in numbers, and will be treated again. I'm sorry he is getting such lousy care.
Aj
The good news for your bf (sort of) is that in 3 months, he will still be positive, won't have the four-fold drop in numbers, and will be treated again. I'm sorry he is getting such lousy care.
Aj
thanks for your response.
i was just trying to understand how to read the results.
Yeah, its a pity. THey said that the value was so low that one shot was enough etc etc.
I am just waiting to get over all this behind my back. It's been 1 month now, have 2 more months to go before I can get the check up done and be sure that i m clean.
i was wondering about the checkups. How frequently are the checkups required after the treatment?
thanks in advance,
i was just trying to understand how to read the results.
Yeah, its a pity. THey said that the value was so low that one shot was enough etc etc.
I am just waiting to get over all this behind my back. It's been 1 month now, have 2 more months to go before I can get the check up done and be sure that i m clean.
i was wondering about the checkups. How frequently are the checkups required after the treatment?
thanks in advance,
COMMUNITY LEADER
After your initial 3 month one, it will depend entirely on whether or not you have that fourfold drop in numbers. If you do, you might not need to go back. Your partner will probably be back for another test 3 months from now.
If it makes you feel better, you can also test again after 3 months. Its up to you.
Aj
If it makes you feel better, you can also test again after 3 months. Its up to you.
Aj
Hi,
Long time since we had contact.
My results are in. The VDRL was 1:16 3 months ago. It is now 1:4.
It is a four fold drop. How do I understand it? Have I been cured? Can I infect someone else?
In case of my partner - His VDRL is still 1:16. I fought with the doctors and told them he needs more treatment. They were only giving him 1 dose after the results. I have got them to agree to give him one dose now and one dose 4 weeks later.
I really do not know what to say more. I look forward to your comments.
I thank you for all the help and your time.
Long time since we had contact.
My results are in. The VDRL was 1:16 3 months ago. It is now 1:4.
It is a four fold drop. How do I understand it? Have I been cured? Can I infect someone else?
In case of my partner - His VDRL is still 1:16. I fought with the doctors and told them he needs more treatment. They were only giving him 1 dose after the results. I have got them to agree to give him one dose now and one dose 4 weeks later.
I really do not know what to say more. I look forward to your comments.
I thank you for all the help and your time.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Hi there -
You are cured, and can't spread it. Your titer will continue to drop.
Your partner will get no benefit from a shot now and then one 4 weeks later, but I am sure you have tried fighting this one. He really needs 3 shots, 1 week apart.
Aj
You are cured, and can't spread it. Your titer will continue to drop.
Your partner will get no benefit from a shot now and then one 4 weeks later, but I am sure you have tried fighting this one. He really needs 3 shots, 1 week apart.
Aj
Is the four fold drop enough to confirm that I am cured and cannot spread it ?
I will speak to the doctors again and see what can be done.
I will speak to the doctors again and see what can be done.
COMMUNITY LEADER
Yes, it is enough.
And good luck with his doctors. :)
Keep me posted, and you know we are here if you have any questions.
Aj
And good luck with his doctors. :)
Keep me posted, and you know we are here if you have any questions.
Aj
Thank you v much for all your help.
I will keep you posted.
I wonder since the count is still 1:16 in case of my partner (as it was). I imagine that I can get REinfected if I have sexual contact with him. Last months we did sleep together, but with shorts/underwear on. In order to avoid direct contact of sexual organs. We would give each other hand jobs and practised safe sex one or 2 times. But I would not want to get reinfected, so will not take any chances with safe sex as well.
I guess we need to restrict all sexual contact other than handjobs, kissing which are safe. You confirmed that earlier.
I look forward to your response.
He is speaking to an expert today and getting his old data from his first infection few years ago
I will keep you posted.
I wonder since the count is still 1:16 in case of my partner (as it was). I imagine that I can get REinfected if I have sexual contact with him. Last months we did sleep together, but with shorts/underwear on. In order to avoid direct contact of sexual organs. We would give each other hand jobs and practised safe sex one or 2 times. But I would not want to get reinfected, so will not take any chances with safe sex as well.
I guess we need to restrict all sexual contact other than handjobs, kissing which are safe. You confirmed that earlier.
I look forward to your response.
He is speaking to an expert today and getting his old data from his first infection few years ago
25-11-2004.
I thought I will post the results of my partner as on 25-11-2004 and then no follow up.
On June 23 - 2008 1:16 and on 29th sep 2008 1:16
TPHA : positief
VDRL : titer 1/ 64 positief
FTA - abs.: positief
I thought I will post the results of my partner as on 25-11-2004 and then no follow up.
On June 23 - 2008 1:16 and on 29th sep 2008 1:16
TPHA : positief
VDRL : titer 1/ 64 positief
FTA - abs.: positief
COMMUNITY LEADER
Its going to be different for you than it is for your partner. Your partner has an old infection, so the numbers mean different things for him than they do for you.
I would absolutely stick to safe activities until he gets some decent treatment. I'm sorry this is so complicated - it really shouldn't be. :(
Aj
I would absolutely stick to safe activities until he gets some decent treatment. I'm sorry this is so complicated - it really shouldn't be. :(
Aj
Hi,
I have a very sad news. I went for a check up. I have got really weird conditions since the infeciton. My ears are ringing a lot (tinnitus), my mouth is full of ulcers.
I had the results of my blood test back. The value has gone up to 1:16.
The doctors have no explanation what so ever. I have not had any intercourse with or without condom. I did let me partner masturbate me and we did kiss.
I am extremely shocked.
What should be the next step for me now?
My GP is consulting a specialist as she is clueless.
I look forward to your comments.
I have a very sad news. I went for a check up. I have got really weird conditions since the infeciton. My ears are ringing a lot (tinnitus), my mouth is full of ulcers.
I had the results of my blood test back. The value has gone up to 1:16.
The doctors have no explanation what so ever. I have not had any intercourse with or without condom. I did let me partner masturbate me and we did kiss.
I am extremely shocked.
What should be the next step for me now?
My GP is consulting a specialist as she is clueless.
I look forward to your comments.
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
