Welcome to the forum.
In general, heterosexually transmitted syphilis is rare in western Europe. But it's more common in central Europe, and there indeed have been syphilis outbreaks in porn performers -- so it's possible you had a high risk exposure. On the other hand, although syphilis can be transmitted by oral sex, it isn't common.
The classic lesion of primary syphilis is a chancre, i.e. an open sore at an exposed site. For this reason, and the ones implied above, it is very unlikely your papular penile lesion is syphilis. (Or if it is, conceivably you have secondary syphilis resulting from a more distant exposure, i.e. at least 3 months earlier.)
My advice is that you shouldn't be trying to figure this out by this forum or any other online resource. You need to see a health professional promptly. If syphilis is considered at all possible, you need a blood test ASAP. If you're back in the UK, visit your local NHS GUM clinic; or if you prefer private service, consider something like London's excellent Freedom Health clinic. To your specific questions:
1) I doubt it's syphilis-- more likely a non-STD dermatologic condition such as lichen planus (or any of a hundred other possibilities). But better safe then sorry.
2) Chancres typically develop 2-4 weeks after exposure, sometimes as long as 6 weeks.
3) In general it takes 4-6 weeks to develop a positive blood test for syphilis. However, the test is generally positive within 1-2 weeks after onset of symptoms. A negative result at this time will be moderately reassuring, but not proof.
4) Wait until you have a clear diagnosis before you worry about what, if anything, to say to your partner.
In person professional evaluation is more important than blood testing. A knowledgeable GUM provider or dermatologist probably will be able to judge the cause by visual inspection more reliably than by any lab test. So don't delay. I'll be interested to hear the outcome after your professional evaluaton.
Best wishes-- HHH, MD
I have no other comments at this time.
Hi Doctor. The gum clinic didn't seem to concerned about syphilis and recommend I don't get a blood test until the 90 day mark as then it should be conclusive. The doctor examined me and said there is nothing suspicious, but they will deal with these spots if they are still there in a month Although there was no diagnosis this was quite reassuring. .
From images it looks a lot like Lichen Planus. I read that this is itchy though and I don't feel particularly itchy down there.
There are multiple spots now all under a centimeter.
Thanks again Doctor
I'll post when I get my results at 90 days
Most genital/penile rashes are due to things other than STDs. I'm quite certain it isn't syphilis, and probably entirely unrelated to either your partner's IUD or your adventure with the sex worker a few weeks ago. I suggest you return to the GUM clinic for their expert evaluation. I'm betting on something like lichen planus, psoriasis, or any number or other non-STD problems.
I have noticed I now have several of these same spots in different places on my penis head. Again they are red and round, but not particularly raised. It's starting to worry me again so I will go for another blood test for syphilis. This is now 8 weeks and I will be examined also.
Sorry to bother you again with this.
Does this sound like anything like an outbreak of syphilis?
How common are multiple sores?
My partner has a coil - could this possibly be whats causing this?
I'm not surprised, but happy to hear there is no evidence of syphilis on examination. However, if you want 100% assurance you didn't catch syphilis, you'll need a final test 6 weeks or more after the sexual exposure.
Hello Doctor
I went to The local Gum clinic 4 weeks and two days after the possible high risk exposure. I was examined and tested for syphilis. The health professional
said the spot was most likely a skin irritation. She seemed to think it could be the result of having sex and told me not to worry. Similar irritations have come up since in a similar place where I have pearly papules and come and go. . The syphilis test also came back negative. I have been having regular unprotected (apart from a coil my partner has implanted) sex. I am not so worried now, but should I have another test at six weeks? Thanks so much for your reassuring reply.
John
Thank you so much Doctor for your prompt and detailed reply. I will let you know how the Gum clinic goes on Monday - 30 days after exposure. I think it is most likely guilt, anxiety and coincidence that are causing me to see this as a worry, but as you say better safe than sorry.
Thanks again
John