Aa
Question for Dr. Handsfield Syphilis Concern
Dr, I had exposure 7 months ago via unprotected mouth to mouth kissing, oral sex receiving, and protected anal and vaginal sex. 4 weeks later I felt a bump on my rectum, painless and went away. 6 weeks post exposure I was tested negative but had just finished doxycline for a sinus infection. 3 months later tested again negative but had just come off cipro 4 day earlier due to uti. Again tested 2 months later but just came of Septra for another uti.
I have read many conflicting articles about antibiotics interfering with test results.
I have have had fatigue, aching muscles/joints, weightloss, headaches, dry eyes, and just on and off feeling bad for months. Currently having stomach issues, pancreatitis, pain in kidneys, insomnia.
Should I be retested for Syphilis and if so how long should I wait after being off all antibiotics? Or is this all in my head?
Thanks for your response.
I have read many conflicting articles about antibiotics interfering with test results.
I have have had fatigue, aching muscles/joints, weightloss, headaches, dry eyes, and just on and off feeling bad for months. Currently having stomach issues, pancreatitis, pain in kidneys, insomnia.
Should I be retested for Syphilis and if so how long should I wait after being off all antibiotics? Or is this all in my head?
Thanks for your response.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Click on the orange Post a Question link at the top of the page.
If I have some questions to ask you, how do I go about doing so? I've only been on this site twice now and wanted to get my problem fixed and you seem to be the best man to do so
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You're welcome. I happy to have helped. Happy holidays.
Thank you for your comments and advice. It is greatly appreciated.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your confidence in our services. FYI, it is only by chance that I am replying to your question. Dr. Hook and I take questions without regard to requests for one of us or the other. Our opinions and recommendations are always the same anyway.
Your negative syphilis test 6 weeks after exposure, and 2 weeks after the anal area "bump" appeared, was 100% proof you don't have syphilis and your repeat negative test at 3 months further confirmed you didn't have it. Doxycycline does not just "interfere with testing" -- it cures syphilis, so the test is negative. Almost certainly you were never infected at all, but if you were, you do not have syphilis now and syphilis is not a possible cause of your symptoms. (Cipro and Septra are inactive against syphilis, so those antibiotics make no difference one way or the other.)
Is this "all in your head"? Certainly many of your symptoms are consistent with those that can accompany anxiety, stress, or depression. And whenever someone suggests his or her own symptoms have a psychological origin, usually s/he is correct. If they continue, I would advise you to see a doctor for professional advice. But for sure neither syphilis nor any other STD is the cause.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
Your negative syphilis test 6 weeks after exposure, and 2 weeks after the anal area "bump" appeared, was 100% proof you don't have syphilis and your repeat negative test at 3 months further confirmed you didn't have it. Doxycycline does not just "interfere with testing" -- it cures syphilis, so the test is negative. Almost certainly you were never infected at all, but if you were, you do not have syphilis now and syphilis is not a possible cause of your symptoms. (Cipro and Septra are inactive against syphilis, so those antibiotics make no difference one way or the other.)
Is this "all in your head"? Certainly many of your symptoms are consistent with those that can accompany anxiety, stress, or depression. And whenever someone suggests his or her own symptoms have a psychological origin, usually s/he is correct. If they continue, I would advise you to see a doctor for professional advice. But for sure neither syphilis nor any other STD is the cause.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- 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.
