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Is A Negative Test Result For Syphilis Conclusive?

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Posted on Tue, 20 Dec 2016
Question: Hello Doctor,

i am married 35 yrs.we are in the process of intrauterine insemination (IUI).during this process i was diagnosed for TPHA positive for syphilis.My wife was diagnosed negative.i think i got it sometime in September 2016 during sexual contact with women.

The doctor went ahead and completed IUI process since my wife was tested negative. Doctor said Semen washing was done and and all necessary parameters were taken care.

Doctor also informed me my VDRL test result and advised me to talk to other doctor which she referred(dermetologist).He advised me TPHA test which confirmed positive.HIV also done with negative results.

I have taken penicillin injection first dose and awaiting to take 2 more dose in the next two weeks.

My concerns are:

I had not had intercourse with my wife after i was exposed.however we have cuddled ,kissed and a bit of foreplay once in October.

1) Does her negative VDRL test results can be considered as 100% negative? or does it require another test.is there any window period ??
2) Since my semen is given ....will the semen carry syphilis bacteria?

3) any complication that you foresee?

since i have not disclosed my status to my wife ,i hope everything goes well with her and hope she will not have any complications to her health.

thnkyou
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divakara (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
No need to worry.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Thanks for posting your query in HCM.

Well, transmission of Syphilis depends on which part of your body is infected with Syphilis.If the syphilis is restricted to your genitals then only Sex shall transmit the infection and Cuddling or foreplay shall not.

But if you had any Syphilitic lesion on your lips or mouth then kissing can transmit Syphilis. Your dermatologist would have recognised and mentioned if any lesions were there on your lips or mouth. So no need to worry .

But still a negative VDRL test shall not confirm with 100% surety that there is no syphilis. I also recommend a TPHA test for your wife.

Yes Semen can contain Syphilis organism during the initial stages of infection, moreover during the procedure of IUI proper precautions would have been taken to check the insemination of any infected semen . So there is no need to worry.

Hope this information was useful to you.
Any clarifications feel free to ask.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Divakara (49 minutes later)
Thank you doctor
Hope if she conceives there will be more tests done to check stds since I have told the gyno about my status.however I had requested her not to tell my wife since it's a bad situation for me.

I presume that there will be tests done to check stds/hiv at regular interval during pregnancy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Divakara (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Tests will be done again.

Detailed Answer:
HI

Well yes , tests will be done once she conceives but most of the doctors will do VDRL only . So I advise you to insists for TPHA test instead of VDRL.

Regards.
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Divakara

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2358 Questions

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Is A Negative Test Result For Syphilis Conclusive?

Brief Answer: No need to worry. Detailed Answer: HI Thanks for posting your query in HCM. Well, transmission of Syphilis depends on which part of your body is infected with Syphilis.If the syphilis is restricted to your genitals then only Sex shall transmit the infection and Cuddling or foreplay shall not. But if you had any Syphilitic lesion on your lips or mouth then kissing can transmit Syphilis. Your dermatologist would have recognised and mentioned if any lesions were there on your lips or mouth. So no need to worry . But still a negative VDRL test shall not confirm with 100% surety that there is no syphilis. I also recommend a TPHA test for your wife. Yes Semen can contain Syphilis organism during the initial stages of infection, moreover during the procedure of IUI proper precautions would have been taken to check the insemination of any infected semen . So there is no need to worry. Hope this information was useful to you. Any clarifications feel free to ask. Regards.