How can I have syphilis and my partner doesn’t? This is a question that many individuals may find themselves asking, especially if they have engaged in sexual activity with a partner who has tested negative for the sexually transmitted infection (STI). Syphilis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact, and it’s important to understand how it can occur even when both partners are unaware of it.
Syphilis is caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which can be transmitted through direct contact with a sore or lesion during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It’s possible for someone to contract syphilis without showing any symptoms, especially in the early stages of the infection. This is known as asymptomatic syphilis, and it can be particularly concerning because the individual may not be aware they are infected and can unknowingly transmit the bacteria to others.
Here are some reasons why you might have syphilis while your partner doesn’t:
1. Asymptomatic Infection: As mentioned earlier, syphilis can be asymptomatic, meaning that you may not experience any symptoms and still be contagious. Your partner, on the other hand, may have been exposed to the bacteria but not yet developed symptoms or may have been infected with a different strain of the bacteria that doesn’t cause symptoms in them.
2. Different Strains of Bacteria: There are different strains of Treponema pallidum that can cause syphilis. Some strains may be more virulent and cause symptoms in one partner while not affecting the other. This can make it difficult to determine how the infection was transmitted.
3. Non-Sexual Transmission: While syphilis is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, it’s also possible to contract the infection through non-sexual means, such as from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth. If you were exposed to syphilis through a non-sexual route, your partner may not have been at risk.
4. Timing of Exposure: The timing of exposure to the bacteria can also play a role. If you were exposed to syphilis shortly before your partner, it’s possible that they may not have been infected yet. Conversely, if your partner was exposed to the bacteria after you, they may not have developed symptoms by the time you were tested.
5. Testing Accuracy: It’s important to note that STI tests, including those for syphilis, are not always 100% accurate. False-negative results can occur, which means you may have been infected with syphilis, but the test didn’t detect it. Your partner may have also received a false-negative result, or they may have been tested at a different stage of the infection where the test couldn’t detect the bacteria.
Given these factors, it’s crucial to have open and honest communication with your partner about sexual health. If you suspect you may have been exposed to syphilis, it’s important to seek medical attention and get tested. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best course of action, including treatment and follow-up testing for both you and your partner.
