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I let a friend/man move in with me who was just diagnosed with syphillis - is it possible I may have contacted it by smoking or drinking from same glass?

By Anonymous March 17, 2010 - 5:27pm
 
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We used to be lovers in the pass but over the years due to all his infidelities - I decided not to have sex with him until he saw a doctor & be tested for AIDS - I'm 60 & he's 51. However, he likes to smoke my cigarettes that I'm smoking or drink out of my drink. When he moved back in - he told me that he had a problem with soars on his penis that had not healed. I suggested he go to doctor to get checked out - especially when he said he had the problem over 4 or 5 months. He finally went to health dept & got tested - told me the doctor said he had a yeast infection. But today he got a call from an agent from the health department - giving him the bad news. I overheard the whole conversation by not hanging up the other phone. I waited for him to tell me himself - but he never did. What should I do? Is it possible I may have contacted this disease. I noticed some of my hair has fallen out in patches - I thought it was nerves. I have not had any type in over 4 years. Should I be tested?

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Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi Anon - You are essentially asking how does one get syphillis and how is it spread. Syphilis is caused by the bacterium, Treponema pallidum . The bacterium is passed from person-to-person through direct contact with a syphilis lesion.

Syphilis is spread by:
* Vaginal, anal, or oral sexual contact with an infected person
* A pregnant woman who passes the infection to her unborn baby
* Blood exposure, such as through illegal drug use, or rarely, blood transfusions

You can learn more from our reference page:
https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/syphilis#definition

March 17, 2010 - 6:54pm
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