How Long After Sexual Encounter Can One Test For Syphilis?

Posted on Thu, 24 Dec 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 24 Dec 2015 Answered on

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a friend who has just been told he has syphilis , what had sexual content months ago, I had blood work done for a few months ago, came back clear. Do I need to get checked again? YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please get tested again if first test is within 3 months of sexual contact

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. Any infection has a window period during which it is not detectable by testing.

2. Syphilis has a window period of 1 to 12 weeks.

3. Therefore if you had sexual contact within 3 months of getting tested then please do the test again. If your test was done more than 3 months from sexual contact with him then there is no need of a test again.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar