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HSV 1 or HSV2????
First of all, let me just say thanks for having this site up and available for many of us to look at and learn from. I am a male, 31 years old, and have a few questions regarding herpes in men. My concern is that I may have HSV1 in the genitals, which I can pass on to a new partner.
Here are the facts:
-Back in 2009, I went to my PCP to get a general testing, which I do every year.
-My PCP told me that I tested positive for HSV 1 (but not to worry because almost EVERYONE has it, and that I've probably had it for a long time, probably since I was a kid)
-Up to that point, I had never had a visible symptom in my genital area, nor any discomfort of any kind.
-In July of 2010 I noticed what seemed to be a few small pimples in my genital area (none on the penis itself, but instead ABOVE the penis in the pelvic area) about 5 or 6 of these little pimples.
-I showed them to my PCP and he said that it DID NOT look anything like herpes, and that herpes in the genital region would more likely appear ON the penis, and the pimples/sores/lesions (not sure what to call it) would be much larger and more grouped together (these were not grouped together at all. Instead, they were apart from each other, and most were on the left side of my pelvic area, and one or two on the right side).
-Also, I experienced a burning sensation on the left side of my pelvic/groin area, where the majority of these little "pimples" resided, along with some slight itching and tingling (My PCP says it's all in my head but I disagree)
-I also experienced some swelling in the groin area (lymph nodes?) BUT AGAIN, my PCP said that it was in my head, and that a little bulging in the lymph nodes was normal. I asked him if swelling in the groin was due to infection, all he said is "if its a little swollen then thats good, because it means you're body is working, and that's what it's supposed to do" (but I had NEVER had any kind of swelling down there)
-There was NO clear fluid or liquid, which from what I read on this site and others like it online, seems to be one of the things to look for when you have a pimple/sore/lesion down there. Instead, and this is the part that I really want to be clear about, they WOULD NOT burst or go away on their own... unless I popped them, which I didn't do at all, instead I waited. However, they stayed and did not go away on their own. Finally after about 2 months of waiting for them to leave on their own, I decided to pop one, and what came out seemed to be a white, clay-like, hardened puss, followed by a lot of blood, to the point that I had to put a little Neosporin ointment (out of fear) and a piece of toilet paper to stop the bleeding. This of course was after cleaning it very well with regular soap and hot water in the shower.
-The other ones didn't go away on their own either, so I decided to pop them as well, and the same happened. White, clay-like puss, hardened, and a lot of blood.
- Out of fear, I re-tested, and again, only came back positive for HSV1. My doctor said to stop stressing and let it go.
My concern is this:
I have tested about 4 or 5 times in the last 7 months, all coming back negative for HSV 2, positive for HSV 1. I have not had any more pimples in the area, but I DO still get some itching and definitely feel as though I am swollen in the groin, mostly on the left side, where the pimples were, at least the majority of them. Like I said, 1 or 2 were on the right side. I know it's swelling, because when I go to sleep at night, it's swollen, and when I wake up in the morning the swelling has gone down, and the cycle repeats. Swells throughout the day, goes away when I sleep at night until I wake up. But my doctor insists (Ive gone to see him quite a bit) that its in my head and that a little bulge in the groin is normal.
OK TIME FOR THE QUESTIONS:
1. If I had HSV1 for years now, could I be re-infected with HSV 1 in the genital region, either through unprotected sex or oral sex?
2. Could I have HSV2 and it NOT come out on the test (I read that a herpes test CANNOT distinguish between the two types if you already have HSV1)
3. Does the fact that I never had any clear fluid/liquid indicate that it WAS NOT HSV2, and maybe a regular bacterial infection in that area that I haven't gotten rid of yet?
4. Does the fact that the "pimples" never went away on their own indicate that it is NOT herpes? (I read that herpes blisters/lesions/sores/etc ALWAYS go away on their own, with or without treatment)
5. Can a person have HSV1 in both the mouth (I have NEVER had a cold sore on my mouth, EVER) AND the genital region?
6. Can a regular bacterial infection occur in the genital region, and cause long-term swelling and some itching in the groin area?
7. Based on this information, do you think it's possible that I have HSV2 AND HSV1 and not know about the HSV2?
Just for reference, here are the exact results of the tests that were done on me:
2009, August - HSV IGM AB SCREEN: DETECTED
HSV IGM ANTIBODY, TITER: 1:10 H
HSV2 IGG, HERPESELECT TYPE SPECIFIC AB: 0.07
*** Here, it said 1.10 POSITIVE
2010, September HSV AB IGM W/ REFLEX TO TITER *HSV IGM AB SCREEN: NOT DETECTED
HSV1 IGG, HERPESELECT TYPE SPECIFIC AB: >5.00 H
***Here it said 1.10 POSITIVE
HSV2 IGG HERPESELECT TYPE SPECIFIC AB: 0.07 (SAME INDEX AS ABOVE)
***(IT ALSO SAID THE FOLLOWING: RPR MONITOR W/ REFIL TITER: NON-REACTIVE)
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP, I AM VERY WORRIED THAT THIS IS SOMETHING MORE THAN WHAT MY DOCTOR SAYS, AND I DONT WANT TO PASS THIS ALONG TO ANYONE ELSE. I APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE.
Here are the facts:
-Back in 2009, I went to my PCP to get a general testing, which I do every year.
-My PCP told me that I tested positive for HSV 1 (but not to worry because almost EVERYONE has it, and that I've probably had it for a long time, probably since I was a kid)
-Up to that point, I had never had a visible symptom in my genital area, nor any discomfort of any kind.
-In July of 2010 I noticed what seemed to be a few small pimples in my genital area (none on the penis itself, but instead ABOVE the penis in the pelvic area) about 5 or 6 of these little pimples.
-I showed them to my PCP and he said that it DID NOT look anything like herpes, and that herpes in the genital region would more likely appear ON the penis, and the pimples/sores/lesions (not sure what to call it) would be much larger and more grouped together (these were not grouped together at all. Instead, they were apart from each other, and most were on the left side of my pelvic area, and one or two on the right side).
-Also, I experienced a burning sensation on the left side of my pelvic/groin area, where the majority of these little "pimples" resided, along with some slight itching and tingling (My PCP says it's all in my head but I disagree)
-I also experienced some swelling in the groin area (lymph nodes?) BUT AGAIN, my PCP said that it was in my head, and that a little bulging in the lymph nodes was normal. I asked him if swelling in the groin was due to infection, all he said is "if its a little swollen then thats good, because it means you're body is working, and that's what it's supposed to do" (but I had NEVER had any kind of swelling down there)
-There was NO clear fluid or liquid, which from what I read on this site and others like it online, seems to be one of the things to look for when you have a pimple/sore/lesion down there. Instead, and this is the part that I really want to be clear about, they WOULD NOT burst or go away on their own... unless I popped them, which I didn't do at all, instead I waited. However, they stayed and did not go away on their own. Finally after about 2 months of waiting for them to leave on their own, I decided to pop one, and what came out seemed to be a white, clay-like, hardened puss, followed by a lot of blood, to the point that I had to put a little Neosporin ointment (out of fear) and a piece of toilet paper to stop the bleeding. This of course was after cleaning it very well with regular soap and hot water in the shower.
-The other ones didn't go away on their own either, so I decided to pop them as well, and the same happened. White, clay-like puss, hardened, and a lot of blood.
- Out of fear, I re-tested, and again, only came back positive for HSV1. My doctor said to stop stressing and let it go.
My concern is this:
I have tested about 4 or 5 times in the last 7 months, all coming back negative for HSV 2, positive for HSV 1. I have not had any more pimples in the area, but I DO still get some itching and definitely feel as though I am swollen in the groin, mostly on the left side, where the pimples were, at least the majority of them. Like I said, 1 or 2 were on the right side. I know it's swelling, because when I go to sleep at night, it's swollen, and when I wake up in the morning the swelling has gone down, and the cycle repeats. Swells throughout the day, goes away when I sleep at night until I wake up. But my doctor insists (Ive gone to see him quite a bit) that its in my head and that a little bulge in the groin is normal.
OK TIME FOR THE QUESTIONS:
1. If I had HSV1 for years now, could I be re-infected with HSV 1 in the genital region, either through unprotected sex or oral sex?
2. Could I have HSV2 and it NOT come out on the test (I read that a herpes test CANNOT distinguish between the two types if you already have HSV1)
3. Does the fact that I never had any clear fluid/liquid indicate that it WAS NOT HSV2, and maybe a regular bacterial infection in that area that I haven't gotten rid of yet?
4. Does the fact that the "pimples" never went away on their own indicate that it is NOT herpes? (I read that herpes blisters/lesions/sores/etc ALWAYS go away on their own, with or without treatment)
5. Can a person have HSV1 in both the mouth (I have NEVER had a cold sore on my mouth, EVER) AND the genital region?
6. Can a regular bacterial infection occur in the genital region, and cause long-term swelling and some itching in the groin area?
7. Based on this information, do you think it's possible that I have HSV2 AND HSV1 and not know about the HSV2?
Just for reference, here are the exact results of the tests that were done on me:
2009, August - HSV IGM AB SCREEN: DETECTED
HSV IGM ANTIBODY, TITER: 1:10 H
HSV2 IGG, HERPESELECT TYPE SPECIFIC AB: 0.07
*** Here, it said 1.10 POSITIVE
2010, September HSV AB IGM W/ REFLEX TO TITER *HSV IGM AB SCREEN: NOT DETECTED
HSV1 IGG, HERPESELECT TYPE SPECIFIC AB: >5.00 H
***Here it said 1.10 POSITIVE
HSV2 IGG HERPESELECT TYPE SPECIFIC AB: 0.07 (SAME INDEX AS ABOVE)
***(IT ALSO SAID THE FOLLOWING: RPR MONITOR W/ REFIL TITER: NON-REACTIVE)
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP, I AM VERY WORRIED THAT THIS IS SOMETHING MORE THAN WHAT MY DOCTOR SAYS, AND I DONT WANT TO PASS THIS ALONG TO ANYONE ELSE. I APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE.
Thank you Grace and Mistakeguy!
I apologize about the caps. Definitely not yelling. Just wanted to make sure the question was read. I didnt know that being overly clean can cause problems for your body, but you know the old saying: Too much of anything is bad for you. So thank you very much and I will definitely follow up with a dermatologist to see whats going on with me.
Thanks again! Your help and advice are invaluable! I appreciate it very much, take care guys!
I apologize about the caps. Definitely not yelling. Just wanted to make sure the question was read. I didnt know that being overly clean can cause problems for your body, but you know the old saying: Too much of anything is bad for you. So thank you very much and I will definitely follow up with a dermatologist to see whats going on with me.
Thanks again! Your help and advice are invaluable! I appreciate it very much, take care guys!
you actually can be too clean and cause problems for your body. Being overly cleanly actual removes all your protective skin bacteria so that problem bacteria can overgrow.
Definitely follow up with a dermatologist if you've been treating for fungus and it's not clearing up and go from there.
Definitely follow up with a dermatologist if you've been treating for fungus and it's not clearing up and go from there.
You should be seen by your provider. Fungal infection and Yeast infections can take awhile to cure. Please don't tyep in caps. It is seen as you are yelling at us.
Grace, thank you. I really appreciate this.
If you don't mind, just one more question. I also get skin pain, Im having it right now. They are sharp pains that some and go in the genital region. Could this be caused by the folliculitis etc?
PS - Could it really be jock itch or something of a fungus? Because I have used FungiCure soap and various creams that my doctor has prescribed, and these problems continue. I am super clean, I am actually a clean-freak, and Im worried bcuz Ive used all these products and this continues to happen.
HOW LONG CAN A FUNGAL INFECTION LAST??? OR A YEAST INFECTION???
Anyways, THANK YOU SO MUCH GRACE. I know you must be like "this guy is crazy".
Thanks a lot.
If you don't mind, just one more question. I also get skin pain, Im having it right now. They are sharp pains that some and go in the genital region. Could this be caused by the folliculitis etc?
PS - Could it really be jock itch or something of a fungus? Because I have used FungiCure soap and various creams that my doctor has prescribed, and these problems continue. I am super clean, I am actually a clean-freak, and Im worried bcuz Ive used all these products and this continues to happen.
HOW LONG CAN A FUNGAL INFECTION LAST??? OR A YEAST INFECTION???
Anyways, THANK YOU SO MUCH GRACE. I know you must be like "this guy is crazy".
Thanks a lot.
your genital symptoms don't sound at all like herpes going on. sounds more like a folliculitis or a jock itch. see your provider for a proper work up.
Only 20-40% of folks who have hsv1 orally get obvious cold sores to know it. No reason to think your hsv1 isn't oral as we've already told you previously.
Only 20-40% of folks who have hsv1 orally get obvious cold sores to know it. No reason to think your hsv1 isn't oral as we've already told you previously.
Hi Grace and Mistakeguy!
Look, I know you guys think Im crazy, but its been almost a year with this and Im going a little nuts I guess. Basically, I have herpes 1, which my doc said is no big deal, I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A COLD SORE ON MY MOUTH, EVER WHICH CONCERNS ME.
When I first wrote to you guys it was because I was getting the little pimples on my groin, and I got tested and came back negative for HSV2 (I had HSV1 since I was little according to my doc, he says almost EVERYONE has it, like 99.99999 percent of the population)
Those little pimples that bled a lot went away but I still get itching, redness, red "bumps" that are slighty raised, and NOW my scrotum (ball sack) anal area have become very red and dry and have remained that way for about a month!
I am living with the fear that I may have ALWAYS had HSV1 in my genitals but never got symptoms there until all this started. Since Ive never had a cold sore in my mouth, could these "pimples" or "red bumps" or the itching in fact be HSV1 in my genitals that never symptomized until now???
I apologize deeply for having to turn to you guys again with this, but I have a feeling that my doctor doesnt really understand my symptoms. He's prescribed me various fungal creams that just arent working and Im getting very worried because I am talking to a woman who I have not had sex with yet and am afraid that I could give her something and ruin her life.
My HSV1, if it is in fact orally that I have it, has never shown itself to me in the form of a sore, Ive never had anything on my mouth or lips, ever. And this "genital region" case that Ive been dealing with for almost a year is really getting to me. I havent been w anyone and I really care for this person. I just want to know exactly what I have so that I can tell her and hope for the best. Thank you for your time, I know this was long.
Take care,
veryworried88
Look, I know you guys think Im crazy, but its been almost a year with this and Im going a little nuts I guess. Basically, I have herpes 1, which my doc said is no big deal, I HAVE NEVER GOTTEN A COLD SORE ON MY MOUTH, EVER WHICH CONCERNS ME.
When I first wrote to you guys it was because I was getting the little pimples on my groin, and I got tested and came back negative for HSV2 (I had HSV1 since I was little according to my doc, he says almost EVERYONE has it, like 99.99999 percent of the population)
Those little pimples that bled a lot went away but I still get itching, redness, red "bumps" that are slighty raised, and NOW my scrotum (ball sack) anal area have become very red and dry and have remained that way for about a month!
I am living with the fear that I may have ALWAYS had HSV1 in my genitals but never got symptoms there until all this started. Since Ive never had a cold sore in my mouth, could these "pimples" or "red bumps" or the itching in fact be HSV1 in my genitals that never symptomized until now???
I apologize deeply for having to turn to you guys again with this, but I have a feeling that my doctor doesnt really understand my symptoms. He's prescribed me various fungal creams that just arent working and Im getting very worried because I am talking to a woman who I have not had sex with yet and am afraid that I could give her something and ruin her life.
My HSV1, if it is in fact orally that I have it, has never shown itself to me in the form of a sore, Ive never had anything on my mouth or lips, ever. And this "genital region" case that Ive been dealing with for almost a year is really getting to me. I havent been w anyone and I really care for this person. I just want to know exactly what I have so that I can tell her and hope for the best. Thank you for your time, I know this was long.
Take care,
veryworried88
Okay at this point you really aren't listening to us. You need to go to a dermatolgoist about your skin issues. This could be many things and herpes isn't one of them. Herpes is only around for about 10 days and then is gone you have a period of time where their is no symptoms at all then another breakout will be after a period of no symptoms.
Get herpes off your mind. You aren't going to infect yourself with your own HSV-1 in another location. You have anitbodies that fight that infection off. So now it's time to work with your doctor. The pain can in fact be in your head. You are being over sensitive to things and jumping at any little thing. Let go of herpes and move on. Just because it happens in the genitials doesn't mean it is herpes.
Get herpes off your mind. You aren't going to infect yourself with your own HSV-1 in another location. You have anitbodies that fight that infection off. So now it's time to work with your doctor. The pain can in fact be in your head. You are being over sensitive to things and jumping at any little thing. Let go of herpes and move on. Just because it happens in the genitials doesn't mean it is herpes.
PS - Forgot to ask:
Could it be that from touching my genitals and then my anal area (showering, scratching, etc) I could have passed the HSV1 (if its indeed its in my genital area and I dont know it) from my genitals to my anus???
Sorry to sound so gross but I felt I had to ask, I appreciate it.
THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Could it be that from touching my genitals and then my anal area (showering, scratching, etc) I could have passed the HSV1 (if its indeed its in my genital area and I dont know it) from my genitals to my anus???
Sorry to sound so gross but I felt I had to ask, I appreciate it.
THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey grace!
Im back, and still very worried unfortunately. The genital "pimples" (hopefully thats all they were) havent come back which is good, however I continue to get pain, not just something that is in my head (like my doctor insisted) but OBVIOUS pain in my genital region, and lately my testicles and anal area have become very red and itchy, as if I had some kind of itching attack that wont go away. Ive put Cortizone 10 on my anus, also tried diaper rash ointment, even hemorrhoidal cream as well, and the redness and itching remain. This feels like its getting worse by the day and I just dont know what to do anymore.
Could it be that I had HSV1 genitally since 2009 (like I explained in my original post above) and I never got symptoms until this whole mess began?
Could it just be bad yeast infection that has lasted this long? (In july 2011 it would be one year since these problems began, first with the genital pimples/itching/pain... and now with the continued pain in genitals from time to time and the redness and itching in my testicles and anus)
HERE ARE THE FACTS ONE MORE TIME:
Its been almost a year, and the genital pimples are gone thankfully.
I still get genital pains, they are sharp pains, from time to time, and are very noticeable and obvious, not just in my head.
I now have constant itching in my anus and testicles, and both areas are red as if the skin is going raw.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im still scared bcuz I dont want to have anything that I can pass on to someone, can you please offer some more advice, Id really appreciate it. Thanks!
Im back, and still very worried unfortunately. The genital "pimples" (hopefully thats all they were) havent come back which is good, however I continue to get pain, not just something that is in my head (like my doctor insisted) but OBVIOUS pain in my genital region, and lately my testicles and anal area have become very red and itchy, as if I had some kind of itching attack that wont go away. Ive put Cortizone 10 on my anus, also tried diaper rash ointment, even hemorrhoidal cream as well, and the redness and itching remain. This feels like its getting worse by the day and I just dont know what to do anymore.
Could it be that I had HSV1 genitally since 2009 (like I explained in my original post above) and I never got symptoms until this whole mess began?
Could it just be bad yeast infection that has lasted this long? (In july 2011 it would be one year since these problems began, first with the genital pimples/itching/pain... and now with the continued pain in genitals from time to time and the redness and itching in my testicles and anus)
HERE ARE THE FACTS ONE MORE TIME:
Its been almost a year, and the genital pimples are gone thankfully.
I still get genital pains, they are sharp pains, from time to time, and are very noticeable and obvious, not just in my head.
I now have constant itching in my anus and testicles, and both areas are red as if the skin is going raw.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im still scared bcuz I dont want to have anything that I can pass on to someone, can you please offer some more advice, Id really appreciate it. Thanks!
we all have yeast ( fungus ) on our bodies ( and in them ) at all times. Many things can cause over growth of it like moisture and warmth as mistakeguy already pointed out. Jock itch is very common in general.
at this point just continue to follow up on things with your providers. A dermatologist can easily do a skin scraping ( not as painful as it sounds I assure you ) and look at the cells under a microscope to see if it's a fungal issue though usually they just visually diagnosis it.
at this point just continue to follow up on things with your providers. A dermatologist can easily do a skin scraping ( not as painful as it sounds I assure you ) and look at the cells under a microscope to see if it's a fungal issue though usually they just visually diagnosis it.
Fungal infections in our private areas come from mostiure (sweat) and lack of sunlight. So it could very well be either or in this situation. You should have been seen before popping things. It doesn't matter how long they last you need to be seen for an accurate work up like grace said. If you are paranoid why not go to a person who can answer your questions and put you at ease. :-)
Wow, thank you Grace, I really appreciate your time trying to help me out. How long can folliculitis or a fungal infection last? And is a fungal infection something that you carry from your feet (athletes foot) to your privates when you put on pants? Because I would rule that out, I dont have and have never had athletes foot. To this day, I stil lfeel some itching and some skin pain, but there are no more of the small pimples, they all left after I popped then, as I described before. Adn no clear liquid (classic herpes) but instead hard clay-like puss and blood, which I have read does not happen with herpes (no blood, just clear liquid, right?)
I know I sound super paranoid, but Im scared that I might have something down there, whatever it could be worries me. If there are no visible symptoms, could a dermatologist still check me out and based on my symptoms tell me if its one thing or the other???
I REALLY appreciate your help Grace, you have no idea how hard this has been on me, and if Im ok then great, but Ijust need to know already. I cant go on with this slight itching (at least a few times a day) and this skin pain that comes and goes. Can other things can cause the only remaining symptoms I have??? Thank you so much!
I know I sound super paranoid, but Im scared that I might have something down there, whatever it could be worries me. If there are no visible symptoms, could a dermatologist still check me out and based on my symptoms tell me if its one thing or the other???
I REALLY appreciate your help Grace, you have no idea how hard this has been on me, and if Im ok then great, but Ijust need to know already. I cant go on with this slight itching (at least a few times a day) and this skin pain that comes and goes. Can other things can cause the only remaining symptoms I have??? Thank you so much!
go and be seen again if you are still concerned about your symptoms. almost anything that causes you genital symptoms, can cause the lymph nodes to swell. this sounds more like a folliculitis or a fungal infection going on than anything. perhaps a 2nd opinion by a dermatologist will be helpful - if you can get in to be seen quick enough.
having hsv1 doesn't keep the tests from recognizing hsv2 in your body. it does give you an increased risk of a false positive hsv2 result on igg blood testing but we have other testing that can help rule those issues out.
having hsv1 doesn't keep the tests from recognizing hsv2 in your body. it does give you an increased risk of a false positive hsv2 result on igg blood testing but we have other testing that can help rule those issues out.
Thanks you for your time and opinion. I guess I'm stressing because the symptoms don't go away as far as the swollen lymph nodes or the light itching or skin pain that I feel from time to time. If it's not genital herpes, of either type, then what could this be? I know you might not be a professional, but maybe you could shed some light on the possibilities other than HSV1 genitally or HSV2 that may not be appearing on test results. Ive also heard that if you have HSV1 then certain tests wont accurately recognize the HSV2 in your body. Have you heard anything like that before?
Much appreciated :)
Much appreciated :)
I totally 2nd your provider's advice about this. no reason at all to think that your hsv1 is genital. You also were seen for your symptoms and your provider didn't think they looked herpetic either.
recurrences of hsv1 genitally would be less likely to present with lymph node swelling and multiple lesions. what you've described in the genital area doesn't sound like herpes either.
grace
recurrences of hsv1 genitally would be less likely to present with lymph node swelling and multiple lesions. what you've described in the genital area doesn't sound like herpes either.
grace
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Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
