Is Syphilis Contagious?

Posted on Mon, 14 Dec 2015

Question: Good day,

In 2013 I tested positive for syphilis with a RPR titer of 1:1. I believe I contracted this infection from a one night stand with a woman I met online. I was treated with a pencillin shot but did not tell my wife because her and I didn't have sex after my encounter. Two weeks after treatment my wife and I engaged in unprotected sex. I went back to be retested to make sure i hadnt given my wife anything and I tested pos again with the same 1:1 titer range. I had to tell my wife for her protection but suprise she tested negative. I however was given 3 weekly shots to resolve my infection. Fast forward to this yr , two yrs later. i decided to be rested and everything else came up negative except the syphilis test. Once again i tested pos for syphilis witb the same 1:1 from two yrs ago and was given another shot. two weeks after that treatment i am still pos with the same titer. My doctor said it may be serofast..i think i spelled it right and wait another four months for retesting. My wife is still negative. My concern is for her. Can I infect her my having unprotected sex?

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Can have unprotected sex

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

RPR is considered positive when the titres are more than 1:8, along with that there must be a positive history, symptoms and signs. Based on the lab test alone the diagnosis of syphilis is not made. I suggest you take
fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption which is more sensitive than RPR test.

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

Thanks for the fast response. Should I ask for the test you recommended now or when I retest at the four month mark? This is so confusing.....my main concern is not giving this infection to my wife.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ask for the test now

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I understand your concern, go ahead and ask for the test now. You don't have to wait for 4 months, once it's clear you can have unprotected intercource

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (40 hours later)

Ok now I am really confused.....I am going to ask for the test but you gave two different answers.
First response said I should be Ok with unprotected sex since I had been treated but your second response said wait until after the test.

Her past two test came up negative.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sorry for the confusion

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I am sorry for the confusion, what I mean to say was if I were to be your doctor I wouldnt worry about a 1:1 tire as 1:8 titre is considered as significant. Besides you have already been treated for it.
What I meant was if you want to be very sure then it is always better to get a more sensitive and reliable test that is fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test

I hope I was able to sort out the issue

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (13 hours later)

Thanks....

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
regards

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I wish you good health.

Regards

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj