Syphillis Testing

[roberthob20]

I am a male, and 3 weeks ago I received unprotected sex from a male I just met. I know that syphillis is more common in gay men, and I was wondering if testing is highly recommended. I haven't had any symptoms so far on my penis. I tested for free 7 days after exposure for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and it also included syphillis, and they were negative, but I know that syphillis normally takes 6 weeks to show on the test.

[gracefromHHP]

I wouldn't bother from oral.

[roberthob20]

I will get my HPV shots soon.

So, even if the syphilis rate is high in the gay male population, if I don't have symptoms, you don't recommend testing at 6 weeks still?

Its been 4 weeks and no symptoms.

[gracefromHHP]

the risk of any std from unprotected oral is very low. we don't even recommend testing unless you develop symptoms.

in the future, protect yourself and only have protected sexual contact unless it's a long term partner who's std status you are aware of. not worth the risk, the worry or the cost of repeatedly testing for std's!

have you ahd your gardasil shots for hpv?

grace

[roberthob20]

Oh yeah, I seemed to have originally forgot to write "received unprotected oral"but you seem to have understood. Thanks!

[andlim]

Hi roberthob20,

You seem to be well-informed about STD. From your tests at 7 days after exposure, you can safely remove the risks of gonorrhea and chlamydia. They are no longer your concern.
As for syphilis, you are correct that 7 days are too early. You are correct also that syphilis is more common in gay men. However, the risk of syphilis from oral sex is very low.
You are being responsible to be tested, which is a good thing. You can proceed to be tested for syphilis at 6 weeks. But, I highly anticipate the result will be negative.

Thanks.