[Question #9267] Oral sex and syphilis
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34 months ago
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Greetings, I received oral sex (blow job) from a female sex worker. The next day I went to the doctor out of fear that I could have been exposed to an STI. I was given a shot of Rocephin and put on doxycycline for the next 7 days (100mg twice a day) as a precaution for gonn/chlamydia. I was told penicillin is used to treat syphilis, however they did not give me any as it’s only used if actually infected. I’m just freaking out over this mistake and don’t want to have sex with my GF in fear I may have contracted syphilis without knowing. I also know it’s too soon to test to be sure. I’m just curious how likely syphilis is passed through oral sex and does the shot of rocephin or 7 days of doxycycline right away help any? I also read doxycycline is used with people allergic to penicillin, however that is a 14 day dose, as I stated I was only given a 7 day. Thank you
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
34 months ago
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Welcome to the forum. Thanks for your questions. I’ll be glad to comment.
You are in the clear. Most commercial sex workers did not have any STI and Syphilis is particularly rare. Addition, Syphilis is only very, very rarely acquired through receipt of oral sex. Most importantly however either the shot of Rocephin which you received or seven days of doxycycline would be effective in preventing syphilis even if you had been exposed. You are in the clear.
There is no reason for concern and no reason for testing. I hope this information is helpful. EWH
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34 months ago
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Thank you very much for the reply. Most sex workers don’t have STIs? I would have thought just the opposite because of their line of work .So the doxycycline 14 days is only if you already have syphilis? The rocephin alone after possible exposure can prevent it, and/or only 7 days of doxycycline?
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
34 months ago
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Actually. It is because of their professions that many CSWs are careful to be checked regularly to avoid STIs.
It takes a bit less medication to prevent syphilis following recent exposure that to cure it once established. As i said above, either the doxycycline or the ceftriaxone (Rocephin) you received would prevent syphilis in the unlikely circumstance that you were exposed.
EWH
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34 months ago
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Thank you! I feel better knowing not only was my exposure highly unlikely but the medication I received would have prevented infection if I was.
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Edward W. Hook M.D.
34 months ago
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Glad I could help. This thread will be closed shortly. EWH---