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Could it be syphilis
I was concerned about all STD's after a condom protected heterosexual encounter I had back in late August. At 7.5 weeks I had a rapid HIV test, negative. Then at 59 days I had a syphilis blood test, also negative. Now 12.5 weeks later I develop one sore on my labia major. Two nights ago I saw it, non tender/painful. A pink visible bump which I then decided to try and pop yesterday. Clear fluid came out and then a little blood. It is almost gone now but has a white ulcer like center(I'm assuming from the trauma of me squeezing it) I thought possibly an ingrown hair since I thought a negative test at the time I took it was conclusive. Could this be syphilis with the late onset and negative test at 59 days? Thank you for your time!!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're welcome. Happy TG to you as well.
Thank you for your reassuring comments. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the STD forum.
Syphilis is rare in most industrialized countries. In the US, there are no more than 20,000 new infections per year, and two thirds of those are in gay men. So on statistical grounds alone, the chance you were exposed to syphilis is very low. Second, the lesion you describe doesn't sound at all like syphilis. Finally and most important, a negative syphilis blood test more than 6 weeks after exposure is proof you were not infected.
From your desciption, this sounds most like a pimple or folliculitis (hair follicle infection). If it persists or others appear, see a health care provider. But for sure it isn't syphilis or any other STD on account of your August exposure.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Syphilis is rare in most industrialized countries. In the US, there are no more than 20,000 new infections per year, and two thirds of those are in gay men. So on statistical grounds alone, the chance you were exposed to syphilis is very low. Second, the lesion you describe doesn't sound at all like syphilis. Finally and most important, a negative syphilis blood test more than 6 weeks after exposure is proof you were not infected.
From your desciption, this sounds most like a pimple or folliculitis (hair follicle infection). If it persists or others appear, see a health care provider. But for sure it isn't syphilis or any other STD on account of your August exposure.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
