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Confusion about Herpes

Why is it that roughly 90% of people with genital HSV do not even know they have it? Is it because most people don't have symptoms after contracting it? Or because the symptoms they have are too mild to be recognized as herpes?

I have a red rash-like spot on my testicles right now which doesn't look like herpes.. but it very well could be even though its not presenting itself in a "classic" herpes way!!

I appreciate any insight.
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Avatar universal
Are you talking about the doctors on the STD Expert Forum? I've rarely seen them attribute atypical or mild symptoms to herpes. In fact, I'd say they lean very conservatively and tend NOT to suggest herpes as the cause.

Most people don't recognize mild symptoms as herpes because herpes is probably not  on their radar as a possibility, or they are in denial that it could be herpes. That's why so many people are walking around with it and don't know it.

In your second graf you said you had a rash or something and think it's herpes but that it might not be. Why would you NOT get it checked out if you are so concerned about it? Frankly, a red "rash-like spot" on your testicles doesn't sound like herpes, but if you are spinning about herpes, go get it checked.
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Avatar universal
Thank you, but that's not really what I'm trying to say..

Sorry if I was misleading in my question. The point I am trying to make is that herpes is not present itself in a "typical" manner. If so many people suffer from the mildest symptoms, then only the minority of people who contract genital herpes actually see the "classic" or true presentation of herpes, small fluid-filled blisters and sores.

Every time someone posts something regarding their symptoms that does not sound like the typical herpes outbreak, it seems like the doctors are so quick to dismiss it as it being genital herpes. From my understanding, only the minority of people actually have the symptoms that you'll read on an average herpes information website.
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494623 tn?1278279352
I agree .... if you have Herpes concerns then get checked while you have symptoms and don't try to self diagnose Online no one can possibly tell you what your rash is caused by except a Doctor or STD Clinic  .... it will be best for you in the long term to know what is causing this and also to find out what your STD status is which will effectively help you towards engaging in safe sex in the future and  eliminate STD anxiety from your life.

Daisy  
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Avatar universal
If you are concerned about overt symptoms, get them checked. Ruminating on an on-line forum while you have active symptoms is just stupid. Get checked while your symptoms are still present if you are so "confused" and "concerned" about herpes.
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