[Question #137] Syphilis in sperm flies,

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107 months ago
Can syphilis live outside the body in sperm.lets say on the hand after trying to wash the hand but not knowing  if  the hand was washed long enough.i tested non reactive but .i tested non reactive  but was paranoid because I touched someone with soiled  hands.the whole episode that happened while ago gives me nightmares
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
107 months ago
Welcome to the Forum.  Happy to address this question.  Syphilis is ONLY transmitted by direct lesion contact.  Further, the organism is very sensitive to soap and dies quickly on exposure to the environment.  My suggestion would be to believe your test result and move forward without concern.  The transmission path you suggest is not possible.  EWH
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107 months ago
Thank you.Some sites say it 's in body fluid.The non reactive Rpr test is conclusive after 6month?Also Ihave been getting some body twitching above my ear,temple area and some in my legs and calves...no muscle weakness. Most of the time it's at rest.Is this a syphilis symptom?It seems to come and go.I hope these are not stupid questions.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
107 months ago
As I said, in fluid, once outside the body, the bacteria dies and becomes non-infectious.  And yes, a non-reactive RPR at 6 months is conclusive.  the symptoms you mention do not suggest syphilis.  It is now time for you to put your concerns behind you and move forward without further concern or testing.  EWH
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107 months ago
I will give you the whole story.6 years ago sensual massage.I did not have any kind of sex  with her,but she sat on my legs and maybe stomach area.week later horrible jock itch.7 months after the incident I got anther jock itch plus my doctor said it looked like I had tinea veriscolo r on my shoulder.Given a topical and had the worse rash on my shoulders and neck that had a burning feeling.freaked out and went to get all std tests.all negative.rpr non reactive.Feeling great.6 years later had a twitch above ear and calves and legs.I did pull my back out a few days before.My brother said he gets the same twitching(could be a family thing).should I get retested.worried late stage infection.My doc said I should trust my results from the hospital.Thank you,so much.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
107 months ago
Thanks for the additional information.  From a factual and medical perspective, the symptoms that you describe do not suggest syphilis (it does not cause this sort of symptoms) and your test results prove that you did not get syphilis and would not be expected to become positive at this late date after exposure. Thus, there is no medical reason for you to worry or to re-test.  At the same time however, my sense is that this exposure still worries you.  If that is the case and you wish further reassurance, then testing is relatively inexpensive, widely available and easy to do.  Thus if you believe that a re-test will give you peace of mind, you should re-test for that reason;  I am confident that if your choose to re-test, it will prove that you were not infected.  EWH
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