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STDs (Expert Forum)
Syphillis testing times
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Syphillis testing times
by Nick77, Nov 18, 2005 12:00AM
Last April I foolishly had unprotected oral and vaginal sex with a girl I didn’t know. I acquired ghsv-1 from the encounter. I’ve had tests for everything at the appropriate times, but after having a clear syphilis test at 6 weeks out from the encounter the clinic here in town did not perform another syphilis test on me at a later date; there has been an increase in syphilis rates in my area. They mentioned that a clear test at 6 weeks for syphilis would be sufficient. I’m a little concerned as to whether they are up to date on testing times as they also insisted I come back at 6 months for a follow-up HIV test (after my 3 month test) which I know is unnecessary. I did go back for the 6-month HIV test but mostly because I was hoping to get another syphilis test done at that time. Again they refused to test me saying that the 6-week result syphilis result is sufficient.
I’ve not had any specific syphilis symptoms that I have noticed, I’ve had some genital sores but I think they have all been from the herpes. I’ve not been feeling too good the last month or so (nauseous in the morning, low energy, lower back / flank pain) but have been working a lot the entire year and have been fairly stressed the entire year so it could just be that combined with flu season coming in.
My questions are:
1) If I did acquire syphilis would I have noticeable and definite symptoms to identify my acquiring it?
2) Should I have another syphilis test done?
Thanks.
I’ve not had any specific syphilis symptoms that I have noticed, I’ve had some genital sores but I think they have all been from the herpes. I’ve not been feeling too good the last month or so (nauseous in the morning, low energy, lower back / flank pain) but have been working a lot the entire year and have been fairly stressed the entire year so it could just be that combined with flu season coming in.
My questions are:
1) If I did acquire syphilis would I have noticeable and definite symptoms to identify my acquiring it?
2) Should I have another syphilis test done?
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Nov 18, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 18, 2005 12:00AM
Except in a few geographic areas, syphilis is largely absent in heterosexuals in the United States--so the odds your were exposed to syphilis are low. Also, the advice you received about syphilis testing is accurate. Most people with syphilis do develop overt symptoms they would recognize.
So in summary: with very low riskyou were exposed, plus no symptoms, plus negative blood test at weeks, you can be 100% you didn't acquire syphilis during the encounter you describe. No, you do not need another syphilis blood test.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
So in summary: with very low riskyou were exposed, plus no symptoms, plus negative blood test at weeks, you can be 100% you didn't acquire syphilis during the encounter you describe. No, you do not need another syphilis blood test.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
