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Reliable syphilis test result?
Dear Dr. Handsfield
After a gay (male) encounter (low-risk) last April I developed symptoms very similar to those associated with syphilis. Beginning in June
After a gay (male) encounter (low-risk) last April I developed symptoms very similar to those associated with syphilis. Beginning in June
A related discussion, understanding rpr test results was started.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If I understood your original question, you have not had sex in the past few weeks. Therefore, if you have herpes, it is recurrence of a past infection.
If you didn't see a tick attached, probably the lesion on your hand was not a tick bite. In any case, my understanding is that ticks do not transmit Lyme disease or other syphilis-like infections without being attached for several hours. But the bottom line advice always applies: See a provider.
You are never going to get clear answers about any of this by searching online or asking questions on this or any other forum. See a doc. I cannot help further.
RF88: 6 weeks.
If you didn't see a tick attached, probably the lesion on your hand was not a tick bite. In any case, my understanding is that ticks do not transmit Lyme disease or other syphilis-like infections without being attached for several hours. But the bottom line advice always applies: See a provider.
You are never going to get clear answers about any of this by searching online or asking questions on this or any other forum. See a doc. I cannot help further.
RF88: 6 weeks.
What is the window period from an exposure to testing to get as close to 100% accurate results when testing for syphilis?
Thanks for the prompt reply, Dr. H.
I did see a provider and he assured me that the test was very sensitive and should provide peace of mind.
Is the possiblity of a genital herpes outbreak something that I could have contracted years ago, or would it have to be recent? Apart from this one encounter I have been monogamous for six years.
Also - in June - the day after a long hike in the mountains, I noticed definite evidence of a tick bite on my finger - including the small central puncture. It cleared up quickly but the symptoms above began within three weeks of the bite. Someone told me that symptoms associated with tick bites can be very similar to syphilis. (Lyme disease, etc.)
I did see a provider and he assured me that the test was very sensitive and should provide peace of mind.
Is the possiblity of a genital herpes outbreak something that I could have contracted years ago, or would it have to be recent? Apart from this one encounter I have been monogamous for six years.
Also - in June - the day after a long hike in the mountains, I noticed definite evidence of a tick bite on my finger - including the small central puncture. It cleared up quickly but the symptoms above began within three weeks of the bite. Someone told me that symptoms associated with tick bites can be very similar to syphilis. (Lyme disease, etc.)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Syphilis blood tests are extremely accurate, but on rare occasions they give falsely negative results. So almost certainly something other than syphilis is causing your continung rash and other systemic symptoms. But you could ask your provider for a repeat test, to be safe. (Presumably you have seen a health care provider about it. What did s/he say?)
The new penile lesion sounds like genital herpes, which is the most common overall cause of genital sores, ulcers, etc. For accurate diagnosis, see a provider promptly, while the lesion is fresh. If you are in the US, probably the best bet for expert evaluation on an immediate (walk-in) basis is your local health department STD clinic, which also would be a good resource for a repeat syphilis blood test. But if you cannot see a provider until the lesion is well on its way to healing, visit one who can provide a type-specific blood test to check for herpes (which many STD clinics do not do).
Don't read between the lines: I truly believe you do not have syphilis; something else is causing your skin rash and other systemic symptoms. I do not expect retesting for syphilis to be positive.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
The new penile lesion sounds like genital herpes, which is the most common overall cause of genital sores, ulcers, etc. For accurate diagnosis, see a provider promptly, while the lesion is fresh. If you are in the US, probably the best bet for expert evaluation on an immediate (walk-in) basis is your local health department STD clinic, which also would be a good resource for a repeat syphilis blood test. But if you cannot see a provider until the lesion is well on its way to healing, visit one who can provide a type-specific blood test to check for herpes (which many STD clinics do not do).
Don't read between the lines: I truly believe you do not have syphilis; something else is causing your skin rash and other systemic symptoms. I do not expect retesting for syphilis to be positive.
Good luck-- 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.
