Syphilis Cross-Transmission in Relationships

Q: Syphilis Cross-Transmission in Relationships

Hello： If blood tests during follow-up confirm stability, long-term monitoring of the indices is still necessary (as certain conditions may be asymptomatic while the indices rise, requiring further treatment). <br>Therefore, it is not recommended to engage in unprotected sexual i

Syphilis cross-infection?

My boyfriend and I confirmed that we both contracted syphilis in early January this year.
We each received penicillin treatment at Renai Hospital and Taipei Medical University Hospital (he received three doses while I received one).
We are currently waiting for our follow-up appointment in mid-April.
During this time, we had unprotected sexual intercourse twice.
Does this mean we could potentially cross-infect each other? Should we use condoms for our sexual activities until we are confirmed to no longer be infectious? Additionally, should we inform our doctor about the two instances of unprotected intercourse during our follow-up visit for better treatment guidance? Thank you!

DH.J, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/23

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: If blood tests during follow-up confirm stability, long-term monitoring of the indices is still necessary (as certain conditions may be asymptomatic while the indices rise, requiring further treatment).
Therefore, it is not recommended to engage in unprotected sexual intercourse (at least for more than 6 months).
If one partner has poor treatment outcomes, it could lead to cross-infection, so caution is advised.
During follow-up visits, since it is a re-evaluation, the focus will still be on the levels of the indices.
However, if there is no decrease, it is highly likely that the situation you mentioned (two instances of unprotected sexual intercourse) could be the case, and you should discuss this with your physician.

Reply Date: 2017/03/23

More Info

Understanding the dynamics of syphilis transmission in relationships is crucial, especially when both partners are undergoing treatment for the infection. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is primarily spread through direct contact with syphilitic sores, which can occur during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

In your case, both you and your boyfriend were diagnosed with syphilis and have begun treatment with penicillin. The treatment regimen can vary; typically, early-stage syphilis may require one to three doses of penicillin, depending on the stage of the infection and individual health factors. Since your boyfriend received three doses and you received one, it’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to ensure that both of you are adequately treated.

Regarding your question about cross-infection during your treatment, it is important to understand that while you both are undergoing treatment, the risk of transmitting the infection to each other still exists if either of you has not yet cleared the infection completely. The infectious period for syphilis can last until the sores are completely healed and the infection is no longer present in the body. Therefore, engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse during this time can indeed lead to re-infection or cross-infection.

To minimize the risk of transmission while you are both being treated, it is highly advisable to use condoms during sexual activity until you have both been confirmed as non-infectious by your healthcare provider. This is a critical step in preventing the spread of syphilis and ensuring that both partners are protected from potential re-infection.

When you return for your follow-up appointment in April, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about the unprotected sexual encounters you had during the treatment period. This information is vital for your doctor to assess your treatment progress and make any necessary adjustments to your care plan. Open communication with your healthcare provider will help ensure that both you and your boyfriend receive the most effective treatment and guidance moving forward.

In summary, while both you and your boyfriend are being treated for syphilis, it is crucial to use condoms during sexual activity to prevent cross-infection. Always keep your healthcare provider informed about your sexual health and any changes in your situation, as this will help them provide the best care possible. After completing your treatment and receiving confirmation from your doctor that you are no longer infectious, you can discuss with your partner and healthcare provider about resuming unprotected sexual activity safely.

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