Swollen lymph nodes in groin

I recently had unprotected sex for the first time in years with somebody I had recently met.  He was not able to ejactulate during this time.  However, 2 days after that I noticed that I had swollen lymph nodes in my left groin which are quite painful.  It has now only been 5 days since this encounter and I read on the internet that it takes 9 days to 3 weeks for symptoms of syphilis to appear.  Would a symptom like this appear this quickly with a syphilis infection?  If so, would a test be able to diagnosis it this quickly as well or do I need to wait?  If I do need to wait, how long do I have to wait before I would have a test result that I could depend on?  I have no other signs other than these swollen glands (which I have never had in my life).  The only other thing I could think of is that I had shaved in that area and I did have an ingrown hair on my inner thigh that perhaps caused an infection?  

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to the Forum.  Swollen lymph nodes are a non-specific finding which could be due to many, many things including any of a large number of infections both viral and bacterial, as well as due to allergic reactions, due to autoimmune disorders and other problems.  In your case swollen lymph nodes in your groin may be due to an ingrown hair or shaving, due to an STD, or due to some other non-specific finding.  The relationship of these nodes to your recent sexual exposure may be coincidence.  It is most unlikely that the nodes you describe are due to syphilis.  While swollen lymph nodes can be due to syphilis, they are typically painless.  That your nodes are swollen suggests that there is some sort of active process going on.  My advice would be to see your doctor for evaluation.

Hope this helps. EWH

[Jasmine1061]

How long would I have to wait after having unprotected sex before any test results could show if I had contracted anything?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

You test results for the most common STDs will be reliable 3-4 days after exposure.  Tests for HIV are not completely reliable until about 8 weeks post exposure but your chances of HIV are very, very low.  EWH