Itching

Hi,

I have gone to the doctor for an itch in my groin area.  I was specifically worried about one sexual encounter that happened on April 8.  He is giving me a herpes test at 6 weeks.  Why is he donig this when you are not suppose to test until 3 months?  Will the test be accurate?

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Mistakeguy789]

About 75% or so will test positive between 6-8 weeks if I recall.  If you haven't had HSV at all you will seroconvert (the process in which you develop antibodies in the blood) faster.  You should follow with another taste 12-16 weeks after the encounter to know for sure your status.  This test you will get will be a base line for you and if positive you will not know unless you have had HSV testing in the past if it was from this encounter or not.  Make sure that the test was an IgG and not an IgM.

[mebaneguy09]

Is it typically to have herpes with a only a light itch?

Thanks!

[mebaneguy09]

Sorry, forgot to ask this portion of my question.  After testing at six weeks, will I then be able to determine if the itch is a result of herpes or if it is something else?  Or if the result comes back negative the itch could still be a result of herpes.  Hopes this makes sense.

[gracefromHHP]

I wouldn't even bother testing at 6 weeks. wait until the 3 month mark so you can test once and be done with it.

just itching and no obvious lesions isn't likely to be due to herpes. jock itch is usually the cause in you fellows.

grace