Hi XXXXXXX

Thank you for posting the query,

STDs and HIV have a specific incubation period. Most of the STDs have a short incubation period( 4 weeks) and before that they would show some or the other symptoms.

But at times some patients don't develop any symptoms or may happen that the symptoms gets unnoticed and patient have infection in body.They become a carrier for a long time .Now this has not been mentioned in the literature as to how long it would take to show the symptoms in carriers .And the best way is to get tested or a screening done at regular intervals if one has multiple sexual partners.

In case of HIV most of the patients develop symptoms mimicking influenza within 2-4 weeks post exposure. But the window period of HIV usually ranges from 3-6 months ,i.e the antibodies are not formed till that point and the tests may come negative .But if we test after 6 months and the result of the test is negative ,that would mean that the patient is free from HIV.

So getting the relevant test done would allay all the fear and anxiety from your mind,even though in your case there seems to be very bleak chances of any infection or being a carrier ( 17 years is a long time ).

I would suggest you to XXXXXXX any competent dermatologist and get tested for STDs & HIV both.You can even approach a pathology dept and get the test done.

Hope I have answered your query. Should you have additional concerns regarding this issue I would be happy to address them.

Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda

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Hi!XXXXXXX,

Thank you writing back,

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidium.It has so many signs and symptoms which are indistinguishable from those of other diseases.

Syphilis is passed from person to person through direct contact with a syphilis sore(also called chancre) . Sores occur mainly on the external genitals, vagina, anus, or in the rectum. Sores also can occur on the lips and in the mouth. Transmission of the organism occurs during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.Syphilis cannot be spread through contact with toilet seats, doorknobs, swimming pools, hot tubs, bathtubs, shared clothing, or eating utensils.

Many people infected with syphilis do not have any symptoms for years, yet remain at risk for late complications if they are not treated.

There are three stages in it :
Primary Stage :
The incubation period is usually 9 to 90 days,which is usually marked by the appearance of a single sore (called a chancre), but there may be multiple sores(usually seen over glans penis or lips).The chancre is usually firm, round, small, and painless. It appears at the spot where syphilis entered the body. The chancre lasts 3 to 6 weeks, and it heals without treatment. However, if adequate treatment is not administered, the infection progresses to the secondary stage.

Secondary Stage :
Usually we see a skin rash or oral lesion here .The rash usually does not cause itching.The characteristic rash of secondary syphilis may appear as rough, red, or reddish brown spots both on the palms of the hands and the bottoms of the feet.
In addition to rashes, symptoms of secondary syphilis may include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, patchy hair loss, headaches, weight loss, muscle aches, and fatigue. The signs and symptoms of secondary syphilis will resolve with or without treatment, but without treatment, the infection will progress to the latent and possibly late stages of disease.

Late and Latent Stages :
Without treatment, the infected person will continue to have syphilis even though there are no signs or symptoms; infection remains in the body.In the late stages of syphilis, the disease may subsequently damage the XXXXXXX organs, including the brain, nerves, eyes, heart, blood vessels, liver, bones, and joints. Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia.

So,it is best to get your self diagnosed/tested rather that wait for symptoms to appear. VDRL(Venereal Disease Research Laboratory ) & TPHA(Treponema pallidum haemagglutination) are the basic tests done to rule out the disease.


There are no home remedies or over-the-counter drugs that will cure syphilis. You need to consult a dermatologist or a venereologist for proper treatment and follow up.Injection penicillin is the best choice other than tablet azithromycin.Your doctor would obviously keep your problem as confidential .

Hope this answers your query. In case of any doubts, I am available for the follow ups.

Regards,
Dr.Bharat chawda

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