Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Syphilis Potential

I had protected sex with a woman who recently was diagnosed with syphilis.  The condom was secure and defect-free.  A few weeks later I developed a burning sore midway down the front of my thigh.  It was whitish with a reddish border and the adjacent skin was inflamed.  I applied some bacitracin to it, and it closed up and subsided (although still some pinkishness).  I did not have any breaks in this area of my skin at the time we were together.  I experienced no other symptoms.  What risks are there that I contracted syphilis?  Thanks.  
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Get tested and stop worrying. Syphilis is curable so whats the big deal. Worrying doesn't fix the problem.
Be vigilant about your testing, 6 weeks and beyond is recommended.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The infectiousness of syphilis depends on stage and treatment status. You were at risk only if she had a recently acquired infection that had not yet been treated. If your partner's syphilis had been diagnosed and treated with penicillin one day or more before your exposure, or if she has late or latent syphilis (over a year since she was infected), you were at no risk even if you hadn't used a condom. With condom protection, then probably you aren't at risk regardless of stage and treatment.

The skin problem on your thigh doesn't sound like syphilis. However, every person who has been exposed to someone with infectious (potentially transmissible) syphilis should be treated with penicillin, regardless of condom use.

Bottom line:  see a doctor about it. Ideally, maybe see the same doctor or clinic where your partner was diagnosed or is being treated. If that isn't practical, at least get all the available details from your partner about her diagnosis, treatment, etc.

Good luck.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
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.