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Conflicting Results
I recently went to the doctor because I had a painful rash in the anal area. Upon examination, he immediatly thought it was herpes but did a culture of the area and a blood test to be sure. The blood test came back negative but the culture came back positive for HSV-1 . I'm just trying to process what this means and where I should go from here. The doctor said it was up to me if I wanted to take Valtrex daily for suppressive therapy or wait and see if I get another outbreak. I'd appreciate any feedback.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Hsv1 is almost always transmitted thru oral sex.
Even the best blood tests still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections. If he also tests negative and can't recall a history of cold sores, hard to tell if he really is negative or if your blood test was the false negative. cross that bridge when you come to it though.
grace
Even the best blood tests still miss 1 out of every 10 hsv1 infections. If he also tests negative and can't recall a history of cold sores, hard to tell if he really is negative or if your blood test was the false negative. cross that bridge when you come to it though.
grace
Thanks Grace! He did perscribe Valtrex 3x day for 7 days and a cream. I am feeling much better! I do have a regular partner of 4yrs but we had some problems several months ago and he slept w/ someone else so we think he caught it and gave it to me. He is just back in town (unfortunatley I had to break this news over the phone while he was out of the country) and will be going for a blood test. As far as we know, hes never had a breakout. My confusion is just that the culture was positive but the blood test was negative so I don't really know what that means. Should I have the blood test done over in a few months? What if his blood test is negative as well? I'm just kinda in limbo about what is going on with me.
You had a lesion culture that was hsv1+ so that means that the rash was either caused by hsv1 or whatever triggered the rash, caused active shedding of hsv1. Did they prescribe an antiviral for you to speed healing?
The free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a terrific resource to learn more about genital herpes at. If you don't mind spending some money, Terri warren's book "the good news about the bad news" is well worth it. Most of the info in both is on hsv2 but there are sections on hsv1 genitally too.
Do you have a regular partner?
If you are still having pain, try holding a tucks pad on the area of the rash for 10-15 minutes as a compress several times a day. You can also steep a tea bag and hold it there too for relief.
keep asking questions as you have them :)
grace
The free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com is a terrific resource to learn more about genital herpes at. If you don't mind spending some money, Terri warren's book "the good news about the bad news" is well worth it. Most of the info in both is on hsv2 but there are sections on hsv1 genitally too.
Do you have a regular partner?
If you are still having pain, try holding a tucks pad on the area of the rash for 10-15 minutes as a compress several times a day. You can also steep a tea bag and hold it there too for relief.
keep asking questions as you have them :)
grace
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
