Syphillis

[adlowery1]

Hi

I wonder if I could ask some advise about syphillis.

I had a one night stand with a man I met in July. I had mutual masturbation, deep kissing and rubbing together of Penis's, (no oral and no anal sex). I know that this is safe sex and has no risk of HIV - am hoping you confirm I am right on that one.

I am wondering about the Syphillis aspect though. I got myself checked at GUM in the UK after 6 weeks and all tests came back negative for all STDS, Syphillis and HIV. They advised that a 12 week window exists and I need to go back to close it in 6 weeks time.

From your experience have you seen many 6 week negative syphillis tests turn positive especially with what I consider to be a low risk. Is deep kissing a high risk for syphillis transmission as I am presuming mutual masturbation and penis rubbing is lower again?

I think I am starting to fixate on this now checking for symptoms etc as I have had bad aches and pains, upset stomach and really bad tiredness in the last few days and I am off on my hols in 2 weeks and want to make sure that I am clear. GUM advised they wont test me again until after the window period.

Cheers

Alan

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Try to relax. Your risk is very, very low – close to zero at this time in fact.  For starters, syphilis is a very uncommon STD in the UK, as it is in the US.  Second, syphilis transmission requires lesion contact and you did not mention any lesions.  Third, For the vast majority of syphilis cases, the typical incubation period is 3 weeks and at 6 weeks most specialists would say there is virtually no further risk (that is, a negative test at six weeks pretty much assures you that you did not get syphilis).  Finally, the symptoms you describe are in no way suggestive of syphilis.

Please don't worry, with the test results you have, you did not get syphilis from the exposure you describe.  I have never heard of someone with a sexual expsoure to syphilis with a negative blood test 6 weeks following exposure who went on to develop the disease.  I cannot imagine why the people you spoke with suggested a 12 week re-check.  EWH

[adlowery1]

Hi Doc

Just thought that I would post to say that I had a ten week test which was negative for HIV and Syphillis.

Just thought it might do some good to post to say that I eventually convinced myself through symptoms generated in my head and paranoia. I essentially made myself bad through worrying and wanted to post this as it seems there is a lot of us out there with this problem about having sex and then worrying about the consequences when really a lot of us a playing it safe. So if your reading this it could all be in your head like me.

GUM are still insisting that a 12 week window exists and that I should return to clear the period conclusively and I asked them how many patients with negative HIV and Syphillis tests turn positive after a 10 week test and the nurse said it is very very rare but I suppose they have to follow their guidelines. I have now just accepted it.

Thanks for your help over the last few weeks - this site has kept me sane with your expertise and excellent knowledge. Keep up the good work.

Alan

[adlowery1]

Hi

Thanks for the reply it has reassured me a lot. I think I will just park it now as were coming upto the ten week point and like you say 6 weeks should be a good enough test. Thanks a lot for your advise and support on this one.

Cheers

Alan