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Syphilis transmission should I be worried?
All,
How exactly is syphilis spread because this whole touching and skin to skin transmission is scary, conflicting and confusing?
Some say "just touching a sore" is enough others say "skin to skin contact"
Is there truth to touching a sore or skin to skin will transmit or is there more to it?
I ask because in April a lady sat bare genitals on my face (no oral) and in July a lady performing a naked massage as on my legs with a bare vagina.
Since 3 weeks ago I have had headaches, facial pressure, body aches, loose stool and slight fever and a raised lymph node which went down after 4 days maybe. Headache at times feels very sinus related, ear pain, pressure pops, heavy puffy face etc.
No rash, or chancre sore noted as yet (did have painful boil/pimple on either side of my nose all of which popped and cleared).
Can someone help advise and guide me on how it spreads and if I should be worried?
How exactly is syphilis spread because this whole touching and skin to skin transmission is scary, conflicting and confusing?
Some say "just touching a sore" is enough others say "skin to skin contact"
Is there truth to touching a sore or skin to skin will transmit or is there more to it?
I ask because in April a lady sat bare genitals on my face (no oral) and in July a lady performing a naked massage as on my legs with a bare vagina.
Since 3 weeks ago I have had headaches, facial pressure, body aches, loose stool and slight fever and a raised lymph node which went down after 4 days maybe. Headache at times feels very sinus related, ear pain, pressure pops, heavy puffy face etc.
No rash, or chancre sore noted as yet (did have painful boil/pimple on either side of my nose all of which popped and cleared).
Can someone help advise and guide me on how it spreads and if I should be worried?
COMMUNITY LEADER
When we say "skin to skin" for STDs, we mean direct oral, genital or anal skin to skin, while unclothed.
The skin on your thighs is too thick for germs to penetrate if it's intact (not cut or broken).
When she sat on your face, if she had a syphilis sore on her vagina, and it came into contact with the inside of your nose - a mucous membrane - it would be possible, in theory, for you to get a sore there, but it's not the most likely mode of transmission.
Vaginal and anal sex are the most likely, then oral, then unclothed rubbing and grinding of any of those parts.
Syphilis ONLY causes a round, painless sore in the first stage. Later, you'd get a rash over a lot of your body.
You sound like you have something else going on - maybe covid? - and should see a doctor. While you're there, ask for a syphilis test. It's so easy to test and put your mind at ease. Even if it's not causing your symptoms, at least you'll know you don't have it and be able to put it behind you.
Feel better.
The skin on your thighs is too thick for germs to penetrate if it's intact (not cut or broken).
When she sat on your face, if she had a syphilis sore on her vagina, and it came into contact with the inside of your nose - a mucous membrane - it would be possible, in theory, for you to get a sore there, but it's not the most likely mode of transmission.
Vaginal and anal sex are the most likely, then oral, then unclothed rubbing and grinding of any of those parts.
Syphilis ONLY causes a round, painless sore in the first stage. Later, you'd get a rash over a lot of your body.
You sound like you have something else going on - maybe covid? - and should see a doctor. While you're there, ask for a syphilis test. It's so easy to test and put your mind at ease. Even if it's not causing your symptoms, at least you'll know you don't have it and be able to put it behind you.
Feel better.
2 Comments
That's a great answer Jessie, thank you.
I'm certain this is just a gnarly sinus infection because when I lean forward the bridge of my nose, cheeks and eyes just feels achey and heavy and would maybe tie up with the symptoms such as slight feverish chills etc.
Feels as though I was extremely low risk if at all gor syphilis then? But I do agree about a test.
I'm certain this is just a gnarly sinus infection because when I lean forward the bridge of my nose, cheeks and eyes just feels achey and heavy and would maybe tie up with the symptoms such as slight feverish chills etc.
Feels as though I was extremely low risk if at all gor syphilis then? But I do agree about a test.
It definitely sounds more like a sinus infection than syphilis. It doesn't sound like syphilis at all. Sinus infections are awful. :(
Yes, I agree your syphilis risk was very low, if any. Just test, though. Put it behind you.
Yes, I agree your syphilis risk was very low, if any. Just test, though. Put it behind you.
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You are reading content posted in the STDs / STIs Community
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.
