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syphilis and hemorrhoids
Congratulations for your work. I am a male (gay). I was rimmed for about 1 minute 3 weeks ago. I was also penetrated (but using condom). I didn't observe any lesion in my partner mouth. 2 weeks later I developed a pain on my anus and and I observed what seems to be swollen veins (but I am not a doctor). Those are very big (external). I really have recurrent hemorrhoid crisis, but this is the worst one, very painful.
But I was wondering: it is much coincidence. Would it be a syphilis (or gonorrhea) instead of hemorrhoids?
Currently, I am living in a town where it is difficult to find a doctor to observe my lesion this or next few weeks.
I have read that sometimes it is difficult to differentiate an anus syphillis (or gonorrhea) lesion from a hemorrhoid.
My question is:
How to differentiate a syphillis anus lesion from a hemorrhoid? Its been very very painful. Do you think it would be a good idea to take antibiotics (just in case).
Thanks for your attention.
But I was wondering: it is much coincidence. Would it be a syphilis (or gonorrhea) instead of hemorrhoids?
Currently, I am living in a town where it is difficult to find a doctor to observe my lesion this or next few weeks.
I have read that sometimes it is difficult to differentiate an anus syphillis (or gonorrhea) lesion from a hemorrhoid.
My question is:
How to differentiate a syphillis anus lesion from a hemorrhoid? Its been very very painful. Do you think it would be a good idea to take antibiotics (just in case).
Thanks for your attention.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I saw this comment prior to my reply above.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your question.
Syphilis is not a likely cause of your anal symptoms, for several reasons. First, it is not likely to be transmitted by rimming. While that probably could occur in theory, most likely it is very rare. Second, condoms are highly effective in preventing penile-to-anal transmission. Third is the nature of your symptoms -- not only the pain, but the absence of an obvious open sore; and syphilis is not likely to cause anything like "swollen veins". Fourth, the symptoms started somewhat early: although 2 weeks is possible, 3-4 weeks is more typical for onset of a syphilitic chancre.
Gonorrhea also is not known to be transmitted by rimming and of course condoms are highly effective in preventing it.
Further, as you apparently know, your description of "swollen veins" with pain is highly suggestive of hemorrhoids -- which is a common problem in all people and is especially frequent in those who have receptive anal sex. And I disagree that it is difficult to distinguish syphilis (or gonorrhea) from hemorrhoids. The symptom could be similar, but not the appearance of the anus.
It would be a very bad idea for you to take antibiotics without professional evaluation. Don't do it. While it may be "difficult" for you to seek medical care, that is exactly what you should do.
The bottom line (no pun intended!) is that this is much more likely to be hemorrhoids, perhaps triggered by somewhat traumatic anal sex, than it is syphilis, gonorrhea, or any other STD.
I'll be happy to comment further if you will return to let me know the outcome after you have been professionally evaluated. In the meantime, I hope this information has been helpful.
Regards-- HHH, MD
Syphilis is not a likely cause of your anal symptoms, for several reasons. First, it is not likely to be transmitted by rimming. While that probably could occur in theory, most likely it is very rare. Second, condoms are highly effective in preventing penile-to-anal transmission. Third is the nature of your symptoms -- not only the pain, but the absence of an obvious open sore; and syphilis is not likely to cause anything like "swollen veins". Fourth, the symptoms started somewhat early: although 2 weeks is possible, 3-4 weeks is more typical for onset of a syphilitic chancre.
Gonorrhea also is not known to be transmitted by rimming and of course condoms are highly effective in preventing it.
Further, as you apparently know, your description of "swollen veins" with pain is highly suggestive of hemorrhoids -- which is a common problem in all people and is especially frequent in those who have receptive anal sex. And I disagree that it is difficult to distinguish syphilis (or gonorrhea) from hemorrhoids. The symptom could be similar, but not the appearance of the anus.
It would be a very bad idea for you to take antibiotics without professional evaluation. Don't do it. While it may be "difficult" for you to seek medical care, that is exactly what you should do.
The bottom line (no pun intended!) is that this is much more likely to be hemorrhoids, perhaps triggered by somewhat traumatic anal sex, than it is syphilis, gonorrhea, or any other STD.
I'll be happy to comment further if you will return to let me know the outcome after you have been professionally evaluated. In the meantime, I hope this information has been helpful.
Regards-- HHH, MD
I am sorry. Let me add a comment. I know that, normally, syphilis lesion is painless, but I have read some articles saying that it is painful sometimes in anus (and difficult to differentiate from hemorrhoid). I am very worried.
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.
