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Testing Advice
Dear Doctors,
I have a small sore on my genitals that I am hoping is just an HSV recurrence. However, it has appeared on the other side of my genitals than where it normally does and I'm having a hard time seeing if it is a long sore or multiple (My outbreaks are usually microscopic) I'm concerned on the odd chance that this sore is a syphilis chancre (I received oral sex and had protected anal with someone about 2-3 weeks ago). If I were to test, how long after the appearance of the sore would make the test viable. Im see every answer under the sun in terms of window period, but I'm guessing there is a reliable frame of time once the sore has actually appeared.
One more question out of curiosity/anxiety Ive read that the second big symptom of syphilis wis a rash that manifests itself on the body-typically hands and feet. This made me wonder-If a non infected person makes contact with this rash through things like a hand shake, or other casual non-sexual contact-they are not at risk for syphilis, correct?
Thank you for your time
I have a small sore on my genitals that I am hoping is just an HSV recurrence. However, it has appeared on the other side of my genitals than where it normally does and I'm having a hard time seeing if it is a long sore or multiple (My outbreaks are usually microscopic) I'm concerned on the odd chance that this sore is a syphilis chancre (I received oral sex and had protected anal with someone about 2-3 weeks ago). If I were to test, how long after the appearance of the sore would make the test viable. Im see every answer under the sun in terms of window period, but I'm guessing there is a reliable frame of time once the sore has actually appeared.
One more question out of curiosity/anxiety Ive read that the second big symptom of syphilis wis a rash that manifests itself on the body-typically hands and feet. This made me wonder-If a non infected person makes contact with this rash through things like a hand shake, or other casual non-sexual contact-they are not at risk for syphilis, correct?
Thank you for your time
Got it! Thanks again Dr. Hook!
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The 4-5 days was for a blood test. The sooner a swab test is taken, the more accurate it would be. In your situatin an RPR/FTA sounds like the way to go. EWH
Dear Doctor,
Just to clarify: Was your '4-5 days after the lesion appeared' timeline in reference to the swab or to an RPR/FTA-ABS?
(The reason I ask is I don't think I will be able to get a swab due to a heavy work schedule this week plus the fact that the sore already seems to be healing. All this considered makes me think I will have to get an RPR or FTA-ABS.)
Thank you Dr. Hook.
Just to clarify: Was your '4-5 days after the lesion appeared' timeline in reference to the swab or to an RPR/FTA-ABS?
(The reason I ask is I don't think I will be able to get a swab due to a heavy work schedule this week plus the fact that the sore already seems to be healing. All this considered makes me think I will have to get an RPR or FTA-ABS.)
Thank you Dr. Hook.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome back to the Forum. Today I'll be answering your questions. The probability is quite high that the lesion you have noticed is a manifestation of the HSV-2 that was previously diagnosed with a blood test. You can confirm this by having a PCR test performed using a swab from the lesion. The PCR tests are not perfect but they are much more sensitive than a culture and a positive result would settle things once and for all.
If the lesion you noted was syphilis, we would expect your blood test for syphilis to be positive 4-5 days after the lesion appeared, if not sooner.
At this point, the best thing you can do is to seek evaluation by a trained clinician. Your local STD clinic may be able to help or a physician who is familiar with that health issues that impact men who have sex with men should be able to help you.
I hope this comment is helpful. EWH
If the lesion you noted was syphilis, we would expect your blood test for syphilis to be positive 4-5 days after the lesion appeared, if not sooner.
At this point, the best thing you can do is to seek evaluation by a trained clinician. Your local STD clinic may be able to help or a physician who is familiar with that health issues that impact men who have sex with men should be able to help you.
I hope this comment is helpful. EWH
I meant a 'lone' sore...not a 'long' sore
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.
