[Question #11718] Syphilis through oral sex

12 months ago

Hi doctor

Doctor i have already discussed my case but i have some doubts please help

My exposure was oral sex 7 days before, i recieved blowjob from a street sex worker lady for approximately 5 mins with breaks in between total time was 5 mins, now i am really afraid about sti mainly syphilis

On last discussion dr hook explained that there is no risk for hiv through recieving oral sex and i can forget about chlamydia, hpv and herpes also syphilis. But, i was really worried about syphilis even after doctor said it is extremely rare to acquire syphilis from recieving oral.

Due to anxiety i visited one doctor here he also said same but since there is rise in syphilis cases here he prescribed me doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days.

Doctor is there any chance of me getting syphilis??

Also doctor does this doxycycline prescribed help me clear syphilis if im exposed today is 7th day and i started taking doxycycline today onwards?

Online it is saying doxycycline should be taken for 14 days but my doctor here prescribed for 7 days…should i take for 14 or 7 days??

Also doctor will this antibiotic help me clear syphilis if i have and make my vdrl test negative if i test after 6 weeks of exposure?

I started taking antibiotic today that is 7th day

Please help doctor your detailed answer help me lower my anxiety

12 months ago

Doctor my only symptom was i had small tingling like feeling to urinate again and again but only little urine goes which started from next day of exposure only when i am laying on bed, now its reduced maybe its because of anxiety

Other than that i dont have any symptoms till now 7th day

Edward W. Hook M.D.

12 months ago

Welcome back to the Forum although I’m sorry that you felt the need. I’ve already told you that syphilis is rare in Oman and that you is particularly rare to acquire syphilis from receiving oral sex. I do not feel that you need antibiotics but if you are going to take doxycycline you should take it for 14 day which will the recommended treatment for syphilis, not 7 days. If you take doxycycline as I suggest, you can be confident your syphilis blood tests, including the VDRL will remain negative,

Please, no more repetitive questions. EWH

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12 months ago

Thanks for your response doctor

Sorry doctor i have some doubts

1. Since i started taking doxycycline i have to finish my course by taking for 14 days right?? Even if i dont have syphilis.

2. Doctor suppose i take for 14 days i will be cured if i have right (even if i start taking at 7th day)? Also my test will be negative right?

3. Will there be any side effects for taking doxycycline for 14 days even if i am not infected?

4. Doctor from your previous reply my anxiety has reduced a lot i am just taking doxycycline just to control myself if i get anxiety again.

My tablet name is pfizer vibramycin 100mg ( doxycycline monohydrate) its correct tablet right doctor?

Doctor just one last time i am asking i have zero risk of exposure right that is getting syphilis from recieving oral sex from female? And no need of testing for syphilis right i wont test if you say doctor?

Please reply for my questions above doctor and thanks a lot for helping me doctor

Edward W. Hook M.D.

12 months ago

Straight to your follow up questions:

1. If you are worried about Syphilis, you should take 14 days of doxycycline. If syphilis were present, it would cure the infection.

2. See above. If you take the doxycycline for 14 days and your RPR test is negative at present, it will continue to be that way.

3. Doxycycline occasionally causes stomach upset when taken. In addition, taking doxycycline for 14 days increases your risk for developing thrush slightly. That is not a reason to stop taking your doxycycline.

4. I have nothing more to say. See my comments above and previous responses.

This is my second response. We provide up to three responses to each clients question. Following my next response, the thread will be closed and we will not accept further questions for you regarding this encounter. EWH.

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12 months ago

Hi doctor

Thanks for your reply

Doctor i am having some discomfort in my throat like sore throat and coughing also no fever for last 2 days is it because of doxycycline? Today is 4th day of taking doxy and 10th day after exposure ( recieving oral sex).

Doctor since you said i wont be infected with syphilis can i stop taking doxy or should i continue taking?

I will do as you say doctor i am confused and living in fear, i know this will be your last reply, please please tell me what i should do..should i stop or continue? I have started convincing myself i will not get syphilis from this exposure as you said nd i think my mind is accepting this fact just need reply of confidence from your side doctor i will be ok.

Doctor one week before exposure i was tested for visa approval and everything was negative si i am worried only about this exposure ( recieving oral sex)

Also doctor i had decided not to test for any sti…it is ok right doctor?

Edward W. Hook M.D.

12 months ago

This will be the final response to your repetitive questions, following which the thread will be closed. If you return to the Forum with additional repetitive and/or anxiety driven questions, the thread may be closed without a response and without return of your posting fee.

Let me also be clear- I am not treating you and am not telling you what to do. Rather I am providing assessment of your risk and telling you what you can expect with different courses of action such as taking antibiotics. If you want medical care- you should see a doctor.

I do not know what is causing the discomfort in your throat. I am confident that it is not an STI. Doxycycline can cause gastrointestinal upset.

I told you that your risk for syphilis is close to zero. I have also told you that 7 days of doxycycline would prevent syphilis if you were exposed but had not developed active infection and that 14 days of doxycycline would cure syphilis if you had acquired it. In my opinion you did not need the doxycycline to start with but you decided to take it.

I agree with your decision to not test for any STI based on the information you have provided.

This completes this thread. EWH

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