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STDs (Expert Forum)
Syphilis Information
Answered by
Edward W Hook, MD - HIV Prevention, stds
This forum does not cover AIDS/HIV issues. This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomonas, Warts, Yeast Infection.
IMPORTANT
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
This forum is limited to questions about STDs other than HIV/AIDS. For questions about HIV prevention, or if you have general questions about safe sex (e.g., condoms, how to protect yourself from HIV and STDs), please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum
Some of the most common types of questions concern the risk of HIV or STD after a particular sexual exposure, and about symptoms that might or might not be due to HIV. If your question is along these lines, please visit the HIV Prevention and Safe Sex Forum.
Syphilis Information
by Stephen90, May 12, 2008 11:29AM
I got tested on a Thursday for Syphilis and found out Friday that I tested Positive. I got treatment (a shot) on Saturday.
Background Info: I had no symptoms at all. I found out that I might be infected because of a anonymous email. I figured out my infection was about 4 weeks.
Question: Since the shot I got on Saturday, is it ok to ?
French Kiss someone after the one week since my treatment shot?
Anal Sex with a condom?
Giving and Receiving Oral Sex without a condom?
I was told that once I got the shot I could have sex in one week.
Background Info: I had no symptoms at all. I found out that I might be infected because of a anonymous email. I figured out my infection was about 4 weeks.
Question: Since the shot I got on Saturday, is it ok to ?
French Kiss someone after the one week since my treatment shot?
Anal Sex with a condom?
Giving and Receiving Oral Sex without a condom?
I was told that once I got the shot I could have sex in one week.
Doctor's Answer
by Edward W Hook, MD, May 12, 2008 12:04PM
, May 12, 2008 12:04PM
You should feel grateful that your partner had the concern to notify you of your expsoure and allowed you to get treated. Syphilis does have a "habit" of sneaking up on people. Your infection may have been present for more than 4 weeks since it can take three weeks for the blood test to become positive.
Exactly how long it takes for you to become infectious is not known. When sores are present the syphilis bacteria, Treponema pallidum can no longer be seen after 48 hours but full clearance of the organisms can take a bit longer, hence the 1 week recommendation.
As far as what you can do, with each passing day your infectiousness diminishes. Syphilis is generally passed through direct contact with lesions which the infected person may not know about. French kissing should not be a problem as long as there is no sore in your mouth (same for giving or receiving oral sex). Similarly, condoms do offer protection.
Finally, it is important that you inform your partners in the past several months (three is recommended as a minimum) that they may have been exposed and, even if their test is negative, they may need preventative therapy. While no one likes the shots, the alternative (syphilis) is a real drag and it is far better to over treat than to continue to spread infection to others.
I hope this helps. EWH
Exactly how long it takes for you to become infectious is not known. When sores are present the syphilis bacteria, Treponema pallidum can no longer be seen after 48 hours but full clearance of the organisms can take a bit longer, hence the 1 week recommendation.
As far as what you can do, with each passing day your infectiousness diminishes. Syphilis is generally passed through direct contact with lesions which the infected person may not know about. French kissing should not be a problem as long as there is no sore in your mouth (same for giving or receiving oral sex). Similarly, condoms do offer protection.
Finally, it is important that you inform your partners in the past several months (three is recommended as a minimum) that they may have been exposed and, even if their test is negative, they may need preventative therapy. While no one likes the shots, the alternative (syphilis) is a real drag and it is far better to over treat than to continue to spread infection to others.
I hope this helps. EWH
