One of my good friends just told in me that her results came in and her Dr. diagonosed her with Stage 2 of syphilis.She told me she was scared and didn't know if she had waited too long. My problem is, Im not really educated about this STD, and what does it mean if shes in Stage 2....? *What's the proper thing to say to her....?*
123668
At stage 2 it is a pretty serious problem, from what I understand.\nI would just act like she had been diagnosed with any other serious life changing disease and ask her what you can do for her. Be there. Listen. \nGive her kind words. \nPeople obviously catch STDs from having sex, and catching an STD is never by choice. Sometimes even the sex isn't, either.\nShe must be going thru personal hell right now, especially if she doesn't know who she caught it from (it can take a while to develop, and longer to reach stage 2). Alot of dumbasses are probably judging her for even HAVING sex or misjudging that she slept around or whatever.\nAssure her that you don't carry those insensitive attitudes.\nCall her up if you don't hear from her for a while. She might be grappling with emotional and mental depression, too.\nJust mainly treat it as if she were suffering any other serious-but-nonfatal disease and the mental fallout from it.
438086
Seriously, I don't know why other posters need to be so negative. CONGRATS on making the smart decision of using protection--that was definitely a good move. Condoms, if used effectively (which it sounds like you did), are 99% effective in preventing pregnanacy.  They are also very effective in preventing STDs, including HIV, but if either of you had cuts or lesions down there (that was outside of the condom) then there is a possibility that an infection could be transferred. If you're worried, I'd see a doctor. :)
543029
Above all, do not respond with pity.  Pity is pointless, degrading, and embarassing.  Pity often masquerades as concern, though, so be careful in not just *what* you say, but *how* you say it.\n\nAlso, simply replying with "So?" diminishes the person's possible "struggle" with working up the courage to tell you.  If you wish to show that it doesn't matter, try responding with, "Okay." with the same inflection you might have if he just told you he changed his hair color.\n\nSince he told you, he obviously wants you to know.  Accept that knowledge but don't diminish it.  You might follow up the initial "Okay" or other non-pitying response with, "Do you want to talk about it?"\n\nAlso, if you don't know much about HIV and AIDS, admit that fact.  Say, "I don't know much about it."  And then, get yourself some good education on the subject.  Visit various web sites such as www.poz.com, www.cdc.gov/hiv, etc.  Learn about the condition.\n\nAnd then, let the knowledge that your friend wanted you to know about a potentially fatal illness he has grow your friendship.\n\nBut, don't pity him.
142842
Stage IV is usually considered the last stage of cancer before it takes over your body and death occurs.  She should agree to have the Dr. check her lymph nodes and other organs, because Stage IV usually means it has spread there.  Luckily there are treatments that can extend her life and hopefully put her cancer into remission......Good luck and God Bless
392301
Jack buddy if it is concerning you so much then go get it checked out...OR have you been having unprotected sex with a partner that is why you are asking question in STD section..Hmmmmm
214728
Could happen. Wait a couple weeks and go see a doctor. They can test pretty early on for most STD's. Good luck with that.
665863
My girlfriend was orally raped and didn't say anything to anyone.  She then gave me an STD.  It hurts to urinate, and I have lesions on my penis.  She doesn't know what it is, and I'm still waiting on my test results.
27606
i dont get it! Did you get some type of STD or something?  If you knew you had it why would you do that to her? if you just found out, maybe she gave it to you! the point is you need to sit with her and give her the 411, bacause if you dont tell her, chances are she's gonna sleep with someone else and in case you didnt know it's SPREADING. i know my a** wouldnt want anything even though it's curable. You just need to own up to it let her know you didnt know you had it and you should both go to family plan or planned parenthood it's anonymous and get through it together.
365642
Whoever has the more mature immune system against it. If you JUST got it, you'll have lower antibody levels. If he JUST got it, he'll have fewer antibodies. Unfortunately if you've had it for awhile and contracted it from him, it's very possible you both have mature immune systems against it.\n\nWeren't you both screened for STD's pre-marriage? As far as I know, Nevada is the only state that does not require STD screening before a marriage certificate is issued.\n\n People with genital herpes are known to take this way out, rather than being honest with their partners.. Saying their partner gave it to them, not the other way around. As he's very understanding about it, this is exactly what I suspect. If it were ME, I'd be in a horrible rage to have contracted this from someone I loved and trusted.\n\n----\n\nEdit - What are the actual antibody levels for you and your husband. If you could post that up I could give you an estimate on who may have had it longer, but that is no gaurentee. What doctors say when they're discussing an "initial" outbreak, is it's the first outbreak you've gone to that doctor for and you think it's your first outbreak.\n\nJudging by his reaction, I honestly think he had it and knew, as of right now.
353187
It's very sad to hear you say that your "mother" would laugh at you if you discussed this with her.  You are a developing young woman and this is something that you need to discuss with a medical doctor.  If you don't feel you can discuss this with your mother is there anyone other adult you feel comfortable talking to?  Maybe someone at your school, church, etc.  Bottom line you need to get examined just to make sure you're ok.  Hopefully it's nothing serious, but you need answers from a professional.
20737
He's probably not lying... he may be having a period of remission, and that's why he seems healthy and blooming, but that would not aleays mean that he was not undergoing some sort of treatment. And you are right not to ask him for proof, that would be both rude and hurtful beyond measure.\nWhat you should do now is to continue to be his friend if you can...if it hurts too much to be around him and feeling more than friendship, distance yourself a little, but keep in touch.\nAll my best.
636477
Not at the doctors office but I have, seriously, been given a 'bed bath' by a beautiful 22 yr old nurse in the hostpital after my appendix operation. When she was getting a bit close to that region I STOPPED IT and told her  --  "LISTEN, NURSE, SORRY BUT THAT PART I WILL DO MYSELF !" --- I would have been very embarassed if I had an erection like that because she was literally gently rubbing me on the lower abdomen... ... Easy to say you guys would not mind...   The nurse of 22 was in fact in charge of the ward and she said to me she would not let the 18 year old nurses do it because they were too young, LOLOL... she was... 22 !!  I had to pretend all along that I was not being affected by it all...  talking in a 'matter of fact' way...  She just left whilst I... and returned when I said  'OK' -- I still remembered how my feet tickled like hell, though !!
437163
I suggest getting a second opinion. You didn't say what stage you were at. I had cervical cancer 2 years ago grant it I wasn't preg. at the time but they were able to do a cone biopsy and remove all of it mine was pretty severe they took out 30%of my cervix. Good luck I hope all works out.
351581
humm, the question to ask yourself is do you want the possibility of getting the virus? Sure you can practise safe sex but there are still possibilities. I congratualte the girl who told you, she was honest and that means she is a good person. Its a tough question, if you decide not to date her please be honest with her and your fears and thank her for beign honest. remember she is a person too and she too has to deal with having the virus and dating.
551900
you clearly need to get an answer. you are correct in thinking that she might be hiding something because of her "sketchy" answers. this is common behavior for someone who's notbeing perfectly honest.\nBeing it your first relationship, if she has an STD, it may be something that will affect you for the rest of your life. And if you have a sexual realtionship with ANYONE, you have the right to honest answers regarding that persons' sexual health.\nWorst case scenario, if she has an STD, its no wonder that she may be nervous answering. She's probably afraid that it will make you leave her. \nStatistics arent good, sadly. HPV (warts) and herpes are very, very common. In fact, more people HAVE it, than those who dont. Thats just the way things are.\nI'd just tell her that you would like both of you to be tested and reassure her that it' not an "attack" on her part.\nAnd please, if she does have something she's hiding, and she DOES come out and tell you, dont use it against her. Facts are facts and shit happens to everyone. She may be embarassed, ashamed, humiliated...you never know what the story may be.\nBest wishes.
307061
I would go see a health professional to see if it is an STD , but it doesn't sound like it from the description . It may be a discoloration of the skin and in that case you may be able to get help from the doctor to treat it . Best of luck .
201455
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a bacteria (Treponema pallidum). it can be contracted through close sexual contact.\n\nThe first stage of syphilis is contagious and occurs three to six days after contact.\n\nLesions show where the skin has been in contact with the bacteria. The lesions appear as painless red sores (chancre) and are often seen on the penis or the labia or inside the vagina itself.\n\nLesions can also be found in the rectum after anal sex, or in the mouth after oral sex. The lesions will usually disappear after a few weeks.\n\nThe second stage is contagious and occurs around six weeks or more after the chancre appears. A rash may appear on the body with small red scaly bumps; this may be followed by flu-like symptoms such as fever and aching muscles. The symptoms disappear but may return at any time.\n\nThe third stage of syphilis is non-contagious and may appear years after stages one and two. Serious symptoms affect different parts of the body. The main artery and the heart are damaged and there are changes in the nervous system and the brain, which can give rise to: mental deterioration, sexual impotence, loss of balance and loss of feeling or shooting pains in the legs.\n\nWhat is genital herpes?\n\nGenital herpes is a contagious disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which infects the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals and around the rectum. It is transmitted by physical and sexual contact.\n\nHerpes appears as redness and small watery blisters on the genitals. It may be accompanied by pain, itching and burning. The blisters will burst and turn into small ulcers, which will heal after two to three weeks without scarring. \n\nThe first eruption of herpes will appear four to seven days after the time of infection. The first sign is an uncomfortable prickly and piercing sensation. This will be followed after a couple of hours or up to two days later by small blisters on the skin. The blisters will turn into small ulcers in two to three weeks.\n\nThe first outbreak of genital herpes will cause the most noticeable symptoms. Some people will have very weak symptoms or none at all. Others will experience fever, muscular pains and headaches along with a burning and itching pain in the genitals and around the rectum.\n\nThere can be considerable discomfort on passing urine, which patients describe as feeling different to cystitis (bladder infection).\n\nRecurrent outbreaks of genital herpes will typically be milder than the first. \n\nPractise safe sex - use a condom. \nIf you are in doubt please contact your doctor who will test and treat you and any recent partner.