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HSV-2 initial outbreak a year later?
I slept with a woman who was HSV-2 positive on two occasions in late July 2013. About four weeks later, I took a full panel STI test and came back negative for everything (including HSV-2). I re-tested in mid-November, about 15 or 16 weeks post-exposure. Once again, the results of the IgG test for HSV-2 were negative. I had no symptoms, so I assumed I was in the clear. Shortly after this, I entered into a new relationship with a woman who had recently been tested and was free of any STI's. We engaged in unprotected sex only a handful of times, and the rest of the time used condoms. The last time we had unprotected sex was in December of 2013. The last time we slept together (with protection) was in April of 2014. Everything was ok until this last week (Sept. 12) when I noticed a small blackhead on the shaft of my penis. Along with this was an intense itching. I chose not to remove the blackhead and let it heal on it's own. There was also some swelling at the site of the blackhead, which has went down a bit over the past two days. Two days later, it was gone, but it looks like a small spider bite at this point. It is not an oozing sore, but appears to just be a small cut. My penis is still very red, and the intense itching remains. I have also developed redness around and underneath my lymph nodes. Should I get retested again for HSV-2? Or could this be an insect bite? I've never heard of HSV-2 causing swelling, and it doesn't look like the pictures I have seen of HSV-2 on a male. Also, the timetable doesn't seem to add up for an initial outbreak of HSV-2. Please help. I would greatly appreciate any insight you could give me. Thank you.
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I must be the exception because I have no earthly idea what could be causing these symptoms other than HSV. I have awoken every morning for the past week or so to a swollen member, and now there is a liquid substance all over that area, which seems to indicate a busted blister and liquidized active virus. I did go to a Dr. on Tuesday, and he took a culture and it should be back any day now. I appreciate all of your help, but please don't tell me I'm paranoid or crazy when I know something is very wrong with me. Even so, the Dr. told me if the culture is positive, I definitely have it. If the culture is not, I could still be positive, which is not what someone wants to hear when they are searching for a definitive answer. If it comes back positive, I can grudgingly accept that. Millions of others have, and even though it really sucks, I know life goes on. If it's negative, I'll be stuck in a purgatory-like state for a few months until I can make it to the recommended testing window for the IgG test again. If that is negative too, I either don't have it or for some reason the blood test just doesn't work for me. In that case, I was told to wait for these symptoms to return (if they every go away, been 3 weeks and counting now) and if they return, and in the same manner and area, I can then be sure I have HSV 1 or 2 genitally. With all the wonders of modern medical science, it's a shame there isn't a better way of diagnosing this.
yes, you must be the exception dear.
really, stop poking and prodding and be seen somewhere today to get answers before you drive yourself nuts!
really, stop poking and prodding and be seen somewhere today to get answers before you drive yourself nuts!
I woke up this morning to the persistence of HSV-like symptoms, as well as the return of noticeable swelling on the left side of my penis. Can HSV cause this? If not, could a poisonous bug bite cause swelling? The area on the underside of the shaft is starting to resemble the typical pictures of HSV, yet I've never heard of swelling being a symptom. I also still find it strange to have gone through this starting almost 3 weeks ago, then for it to slowly seem to be getting better (although the lesion has remained in some form the entire time), only to have it return with a vengeance (horrible itching, small red bumps near the region, extreme redness, and swelling) a couple of days ago. This is so frustrating. I would like to thank all of you who have replied to me, it makes it much easier to have others to discuss this with.
Herpes wouldnt start as a blackhead. Folliculitis would.
Google folliculitis, molluscum, jock itch, or impetigo. Three things that could look like hsv. You have tested negative many times. Therefore like grace and fleetwood said.. It isnt hsv.
Google folliculitis, molluscum, jock itch, or impetigo. Three things that could look like hsv. You have tested negative many times. Therefore like grace and fleetwood said.. It isnt hsv.
Hi Grace,
I understand that you think I'm paranoid, and I have explored this site enough to know that some people think any kind of itching or red bump or spot in their genital area is herpes. However, I am not one of those cases. What started as a mystery blister/lesion has now turned into something that looks very much like a herpes outbreak. I really hope this isn't the case, and even though I am almost positive that it is a genital HSV infection (1 or 2), it does seem to go against everything I've read that it is getting worse as time goes on. Shouldn't it be starting to clear up after 2 1/2 weeks? Why would the itching have died down, and the lesion start to look like it is healing up, then all of a sudden look worse than ever and the itching return to its earlier intensity? Also, there are red bumps on the head of my penis now, along with those surrounding the lesion, which certainly wasn't the case earlier (when it was just the one lesion/blackhead). Isn't an outbreak supposed to occur, and then begin to heal?
I understand that you think I'm paranoid, and I have explored this site enough to know that some people think any kind of itching or red bump or spot in their genital area is herpes. However, I am not one of those cases. What started as a mystery blister/lesion has now turned into something that looks very much like a herpes outbreak. I really hope this isn't the case, and even though I am almost positive that it is a genital HSV infection (1 or 2), it does seem to go against everything I've read that it is getting worse as time goes on. Shouldn't it be starting to clear up after 2 1/2 weeks? Why would the itching have died down, and the lesion start to look like it is healing up, then all of a sudden look worse than ever and the itching return to its earlier intensity? Also, there are red bumps on the head of my penis now, along with those surrounding the lesion, which certainly wasn't the case earlier (when it was just the one lesion/blackhead). Isn't an outbreak supposed to occur, and then begin to heal?
your symptoms do not sound herpes related at all. Have you been seen since they got worse?
really, no reason for more testing. don't be your own worse enemy. I know it's hard because you read online how herpes can sound like almost anything going on in the genital area but really, not everything that goes on in between your legs is herpes. As was also pointed out by Fleetwood - since you are hsv negative, odds are you would've had a very classic and very painful blistery-like first ob and your symptoms are far more consistent with jock itch.
really, no reason for more testing. don't be your own worse enemy. I know it's hard because you read online how herpes can sound like almost anything going on in the genital area but really, not everything that goes on in between your legs is herpes. As was also pointed out by Fleetwood - since you are hsv negative, odds are you would've had a very classic and very painful blistery-like first ob and your symptoms are far more consistent with jock itch.
Your above comment describes my mentality regarding my situation in a nutshell. It's why I have taken multiple blood tests to this point and swabs personally.
Keep in mind, when my symptoms arose from my encounter I forced her to test as well. Her blood came out positive for HSV1 which she believe is a oral infection. At that point, I knew HSV1 was the culprit in causing all my issues, as I wouldn't have made her test if I didn't think so from the start.
Your symptoms sound eerily similar to mine and if I'm right it's going to be difficult to test positive for HSV1 outside of a swab on a active/fluid filled lesion. Why? Because for some reason the IGG select tests commercially available are only up to 90% accurate in testing this strain. It misses 10% of infections. Do the math, that's a lot of people infected with HSV1 that don't know it.
My encounter had zero visible or noticeable symptoms. I would know because I kissed her, however, like HSV2, HSV1 can be contracted even with no physical symptoms, as shedding can take place. Even though shedding doesn't occur as often as HSV2, it's entirely possible to contract the virus from someone with no symptoms, which could be the case for you.
Bottom line, genital HSV1 is occurring much more often now due to oral sex, but diagnosing it is not as easy as HSV2. Symptoms can be mild, not look like a typical HSV in presentation and the blood tests, outside of the WB, are not accurate.
I even doubt the WB is close 99% accurate as they claim, but that's another story. You need to swab your lesions. If you don't (apparently you can't) retaking a blood test will do nothing but put a dent in your wallet and not change the result. I know because I've tested 16 times and the result hasn't changed and I had your symptoms and reoccurrences as well. Even had a single blister.
If you are adamant about a blood test. You will need to test at 6 months from exposure via Western Blot for 99% accuracy (they claim). You can take a baseline HerpeSelect at 16 weeks to see where you stand if money permits. Unfortunately, with HSV testing there are grey areas, that's why swabbing active fluid filled lesions is key in your case.
Good luck.
Keep in mind, when my symptoms arose from my encounter I forced her to test as well. Her blood came out positive for HSV1 which she believe is a oral infection. At that point, I knew HSV1 was the culprit in causing all my issues, as I wouldn't have made her test if I didn't think so from the start.
Your symptoms sound eerily similar to mine and if I'm right it's going to be difficult to test positive for HSV1 outside of a swab on a active/fluid filled lesion. Why? Because for some reason the IGG select tests commercially available are only up to 90% accurate in testing this strain. It misses 10% of infections. Do the math, that's a lot of people infected with HSV1 that don't know it.
My encounter had zero visible or noticeable symptoms. I would know because I kissed her, however, like HSV2, HSV1 can be contracted even with no physical symptoms, as shedding can take place. Even though shedding doesn't occur as often as HSV2, it's entirely possible to contract the virus from someone with no symptoms, which could be the case for you.
Bottom line, genital HSV1 is occurring much more often now due to oral sex, but diagnosing it is not as easy as HSV2. Symptoms can be mild, not look like a typical HSV in presentation and the blood tests, outside of the WB, are not accurate.
I even doubt the WB is close 99% accurate as they claim, but that's another story. You need to swab your lesions. If you don't (apparently you can't) retaking a blood test will do nothing but put a dent in your wallet and not change the result. I know because I've tested 16 times and the result hasn't changed and I had your symptoms and reoccurrences as well. Even had a single blister.
If you are adamant about a blood test. You will need to test at 6 months from exposure via Western Blot for 99% accuracy (they claim). You can take a baseline HerpeSelect at 16 weeks to see where you stand if money permits. Unfortunately, with HSV testing there are grey areas, that's why swabbing active fluid filled lesions is key in your case.
Good luck.
I hate to hear that you are going through a similar situation, as I would not wish this upon anyone. I hope your situation turns out the way you want, and you don't have to suffer through this type of ordeal.
I completely agree with you on the need for a swab culture, though it may be November before I am able to obtain health insurance. Until then, I'm stuck in limbo. Everything I have read points to the HerpeSelect IgG test being extremely reliable if you follow the guidelines for the testing window. Since I abided by these guidelines (testing at 15 weeks post-exposure, as well as over 1 year post-exposure), I am confident that the HSV-2 positive woman I slept with in July of 2013 is not the cause behind my symptoms.
You have certainly caught my attention with the point about oral sex. When I slept with my ex in August of 2014, I did receive unprotected oral sex for a short period of time. Following this, we engaged in protected intercourse. My breakout is occurring on the shaft of my penis, which was fully covered by the condom during intercourse. It would make perfect sense if it was an HSV-1 genital infection. She did not have any noticeable cold or fever blisters on her mouth, however, although if it is similar to HSV-2 I guess that doesn't really matter in regards to the possibility of transmitting the virus. She is supposed to be getting tested soon, and I will encourage her to get the HerpeSelect test done. If she is diagnosed as HSV-1 positive, it would seem likely that this is what happened.
Would you recommend that I have another HerpeSelect test done at 4 months post-exposure to make sure of this? Or is the reliability of that test finding a positive HSV-1 infection significantly lower than the WB? I just want to find out exactly what is causing my symptoms so that I can treat it and be educated and knowledgeable about my status so that I can protect any future partners I may have. Thank you for your help, and I wish you the best with your situation.
I completely agree with you on the need for a swab culture, though it may be November before I am able to obtain health insurance. Until then, I'm stuck in limbo. Everything I have read points to the HerpeSelect IgG test being extremely reliable if you follow the guidelines for the testing window. Since I abided by these guidelines (testing at 15 weeks post-exposure, as well as over 1 year post-exposure), I am confident that the HSV-2 positive woman I slept with in July of 2013 is not the cause behind my symptoms.
You have certainly caught my attention with the point about oral sex. When I slept with my ex in August of 2014, I did receive unprotected oral sex for a short period of time. Following this, we engaged in protected intercourse. My breakout is occurring on the shaft of my penis, which was fully covered by the condom during intercourse. It would make perfect sense if it was an HSV-1 genital infection. She did not have any noticeable cold or fever blisters on her mouth, however, although if it is similar to HSV-2 I guess that doesn't really matter in regards to the possibility of transmitting the virus. She is supposed to be getting tested soon, and I will encourage her to get the HerpeSelect test done. If she is diagnosed as HSV-1 positive, it would seem likely that this is what happened.
Would you recommend that I have another HerpeSelect test done at 4 months post-exposure to make sure of this? Or is the reliability of that test finding a positive HSV-1 infection significantly lower than the WB? I just want to find out exactly what is causing my symptoms so that I can treat it and be educated and knowledgeable about my status so that I can protect any future partners I may have. Thank you for your help, and I wish you the best with your situation.
You're in a tough spot here and I can relate. I also have negative HSV blood tests almost 10 months out but experienced something very similar to you symptom wise.
That being said, what you describe does to me sound like HSV, however, the initial outbreak timeframe is what is confusing. When you incorporate the woman in mid-August it changes things, but then again, she also tested negative.
A swab of the lesions within 24-48 hours of appearance or if any fluid is still contained in the bumps, I would try to find a way to get a swab done both bacterial and viral wise or you risk on continuing to this game of the trusting blood work, which I don't rely on personally.
A good indicator for you is that HSV2 via HerpeSelect is much more sensitive and more accurate than HSV1. If you are continuing to test negative for HSV2 via this test, it would be a strong indicator it isn't HSV2.
However, have or do you conduct in unprotected oral sex with any woman in your timelines? This could be a genital HSV1 outbreak from oral sex, which is difficult to diagnose outside of a positive swab or WesternBlot. I would seek a swab immediately (find a way) or test via WB at this point.
Your lesions are very disconcerting and contrary to what others have told you on here can and does sound like HSV. Fungus doesn't present itself that way, trust me, I've seen 9 doctors that have all described what a fungal genital infection looks like. Yours does not fit the bill.
That being said, what you describe does to me sound like HSV, however, the initial outbreak timeframe is what is confusing. When you incorporate the woman in mid-August it changes things, but then again, she also tested negative.
A swab of the lesions within 24-48 hours of appearance or if any fluid is still contained in the bumps, I would try to find a way to get a swab done both bacterial and viral wise or you risk on continuing to this game of the trusting blood work, which I don't rely on personally.
A good indicator for you is that HSV2 via HerpeSelect is much more sensitive and more accurate than HSV1. If you are continuing to test negative for HSV2 via this test, it would be a strong indicator it isn't HSV2.
However, have or do you conduct in unprotected oral sex with any woman in your timelines? This could be a genital HSV1 outbreak from oral sex, which is difficult to diagnose outside of a positive swab or WesternBlot. I would seek a swab immediately (find a way) or test via WB at this point.
Your lesions are very disconcerting and contrary to what others have told you on here can and does sound like HSV. Fungus doesn't present itself that way, trust me, I've seen 9 doctors that have all described what a fungal genital infection looks like. Yours does not fit the bill.
Thank you for your quick reply. I would like to have that done but live in a rural area and am lacking health insurance at the moment. I was only able to get the IgG blood test(s) by driving a long distance and paying a relatively high fee. It just sucks because the itching is driving me crazy and the initial lesion hasn't healed (though it has morphed into a few different stages) and now there are small red bumps popping up around the initial lesion. Also, the skin in that area is extremely red and irritated. Shouldn't this be dying down by now if it is HSV-2?
Why dont you go get them swabbed?
A negative igg blood test at 15 weeks post exposure is definitely a negative.
A negative igg blood test at 15 weeks post exposure is definitely a negative.
I am now having even more severe symptoms, including the persistence of the initial lesion, along with many more smaller red bumps and a renewed itching with greater intensity. This nightmare began on September 12, and I don't understand how, if this is HSV-2 (which I am 99% sure it is at this point), the symptoms could be getting worse over 2 weeks later? Is this normal for an initial outbreak?
Hi Grace,
I appreciate your input, and I trust your opinion. I have read your posts for other questions and you always have a logical and rational input. However, I just now realized I made a mistake in my initial post. Instead of April 2014, I slept with a woman in mid-August 2014. In other words, it has been about a month since my last contact with her. This would fit the timetable for an initial outbreak of HSV-2, as I understand it. However, this was a completely protected encounter, and it was with the same woman I have had an on-and-off relationship with since August 2013. I guess it would be possible, if she is in fact HSV-2 (she has tested negative, but I'm not sure about the testing windows, and she was with one other person post-test), to have transmitted the virus through our most recent encounter. She has had no symptoms, and it would seem odd that we could have a sexual relationship for a full year and then I would get the virus after a protected encounter. I apologize for being so paranoid, and I know it won't be the end of the world if this turns out to be the case. The symptoms are just too difficult to ignore. My most recent partner will be going to be tested as soon as she can, and that should provide some answers for us both. Thanks again.
I appreciate your input, and I trust your opinion. I have read your posts for other questions and you always have a logical and rational input. However, I just now realized I made a mistake in my initial post. Instead of April 2014, I slept with a woman in mid-August 2014. In other words, it has been about a month since my last contact with her. This would fit the timetable for an initial outbreak of HSV-2, as I understand it. However, this was a completely protected encounter, and it was with the same woman I have had an on-and-off relationship with since August 2013. I guess it would be possible, if she is in fact HSV-2 (she has tested negative, but I'm not sure about the testing windows, and she was with one other person post-test), to have transmitted the virus through our most recent encounter. She has had no symptoms, and it would seem odd that we could have a sexual relationship for a full year and then I would get the virus after a protected encounter. I apologize for being so paranoid, and I know it won't be the end of the world if this turns out to be the case. The symptoms are just too difficult to ignore. My most recent partner will be going to be tested as soon as she can, and that should provide some answers for us both. Thanks again.
your newest symptoms don't sound like herpes. sounds like irritation or a fungal infection going on.
you don't have any reason to retest. I'd call off the crotch watch before you drive yourself crazy!!!
you don't have any reason to retest. I'd call off the crotch watch before you drive yourself crazy!!!
Hi Sidney,
I understand what you are saying and I have read countless other posts on this site and we are all panicked and stressed to the core worrying about our respective conditions. If I wasn't experiencing these symptoms, I could certainly accept my test results and move on with my life. However, these symptoms are the first time I've ever had anything like this going on. I plan on accepting the fact that I have the virus, and will re-test 3 months from now. If that comes back negative, and my symptoms resolve and don't reappear, I will accept that I am negative.
I understand what you are saying and I have read countless other posts on this site and we are all panicked and stressed to the core worrying about our respective conditions. If I wasn't experiencing these symptoms, I could certainly accept my test results and move on with my life. However, these symptoms are the first time I've ever had anything like this going on. I plan on accepting the fact that I have the virus, and will re-test 3 months from now. If that comes back negative, and my symptoms resolve and don't reappear, I will accept that I am negative.
I think you need to take a step back for a moment and listen to what the people who are experienced are telling you. The keep saying "Black" which should be a huge relief. But then you say "White." None of us can know for sure. Everyone will take an educated guess based on experience. I know you WANT 100% assurance, but unfortunately no one in this forum will give it to you. From looking at your writing, you are really working yourself up, as we all are about a positive diagnosis. Take a deep breath and thank goodness you are not 100% positive for years, as many people on this site are, and continue to have complications.
Next to my "lesion", there are a several (4 or 5) small red bumps cropping up on a patch of red skin on the shaft of my penis. I'm still worried that this could be hsv-2, even with my negative HSV-2 test (IgG Herpeselect). I know the test is reliable, but I'm having trouble imagining what else these symptoms could be due to.
The odds of a false negative for HSV2 are incredibly low. I would feel close enough to 100% to be well and truly believed.
HSV1 has a higher false negative rate, but I do not feel this to be an issue in your situation.
The fact that you are most likely free of HSV works additionally in favor of you not being infected. If you were, the chances are quite high that you would have experienced symptoms in the 2-10 days post infection as your body has no established immune system against HSV1/2.
The odds of you having HSV2 given the above are pretty much negligible, I'd believe the tests.
HSV1 has a higher false negative rate, but I do not feel this to be an issue in your situation.
The fact that you are most likely free of HSV works additionally in favor of you not being infected. If you were, the chances are quite high that you would have experienced symptoms in the 2-10 days post infection as your body has no established immune system against HSV1/2.
The odds of you having HSV2 given the above are pretty much negligible, I'd believe the tests.
Hi Grace,
Just got my test results back (Herpeselect IgG). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were <.90, so it appears that I am testing negative. However, my symptoms are eerily similar to HSV-2. I know these tests aren't 100%, but is there a chance I could have had a false-negative on two different tests (one at 15 weeks post-exposure, one at almost 14 months)?
Just got my test results back (Herpeselect IgG). Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were <.90, so it appears that I am testing negative. However, my symptoms are eerily similar to HSV-2. I know these tests aren't 100%, but is there a chance I could have had a false-negative on two different tests (one at 15 weeks post-exposure, one at almost 14 months)?
almost anything in the genital area will resemble genital herpes. don't work yourself up needlessly.
Thanks Grace. I have been using the same type of body wash for a long time and have never suffered any irritation from that before. I just re-examined myself, and it is starting to look more like hsv-2. I don't understand how this could have happened. I feel like I took every pre-caution and waited until the recommended testing window to test. Is it possible to not have an initial OB until over a year later, while also testing negative at 15 weeks post-exposure with the IgG HerpeSelect test?
I wasn't commenting on your hygiene actually. the point was to not over do the cleaning and to use a gentle soap. Many folks use scented body washes in their genital area and it can cause irritation and skin reactions. Sorry if that was unclear.
I don't think hygiene has anything to do with this. I take at least one (often two) showers per day and I always cleanse myself thoroughly with soap. The symptoms are still present (lesion that looks like a spider bite, redness, swelling around the lesion, and itching all over groin/thigh areas), though I'm befuddled that an IgG HerpeSelect test at 15 weeks post-exposure could be wrong. I took the same test yesterday, and am awaiting the results. If this test failed, is it even possible to not have an initial outbreak until September of 2014 when exposure took place in July of 2013?
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