I’m curious as to the potential risk of a recent exposure, and whether you would recommend any testing. I recently had unprotected oral, followed by protected vaginal sex with a coworker of mine of similar age (mid 20’s). This was all about 6wks ago. The condom remained intact throughout, however I recall reading that syphilis can still present a risk, as it is a lesion disease. I had a small lesion about 1” out from my penis in my pubic area some weeks after, which did not seem to be a chancre, and kind of struck me as an unusual spot for one to be, given the nature of exposure. Would you recommend syphilis testing in this case?

Thanks again

Condoms are highly effective against syphilis -- not perfect, because of the potential for skin contact above the condom -- but very good protection. In addition, it is statistically very unlikely a partner of your had syphilis; the large majority of syphilis these days occurs in men who have sex with men.. Finally, the "cut" you noticed doesn't sound like a chancre, both because of its location and a chancre is not likely to mimic a "cut".

Should you be tested? From a strictly medical standpoint, I do not think it is necessary; the chance you are infected is too low. On the other hand, you would not have come to the forum if you weren't concerned about it, and in that circumstance most people are more reassured by negative testing than by professional opinion, no matter how expert. For that reason only -- reassurance -- you probably should be tested. Assuming you do so, a this time (6 weeks or more after exposure) you can trust the result, which I am sure will be negative.

I hope this information is helpful. Let me know if anything isn't clear.

HHH, MD

The AgAb HIV blood tests (antigen-antibody, the currnet terminology for 4th generation tests) detect at least 99% of HIV infections within 5 weeks (35 days), so your 38 day result is in that ballpark. Looking back at your threads a year ago, we discussed the low risk of HIV transmission by various heterosexual exposures (vaginal sex, oral sex, etc). And a partner like you describe above has almost no chance of having HIV. In that context, you should consider your current result conclusive and I don't recommend any furhter HIV testing.

Thanks againf or your confidence in our services. I hope the discussion has been helpful. Best wishes and stay safe.