Yes, you should feel encouraged by your negative antibody test a month out.
Most people have tiny pimple on their thighs from time to time, and many people have folliculitis from time to time on their body. Herpes can show up on hair follicles, yes, but if something is present ONLY on hair follicles, that suggests folliculitis rather than herpes. I don't believe the persistent soreness in your thighs or upset stomach would have anything to do with having a herpes infection. And the rash in the groin also sounds like jock itch to me. If you are still worried in 3 months, test again, just to be certain.
Terri
Hi Terri, thank you for your reply. The pimples in my inner thigh seem to have gone away but the irritation in my groin and inner thighs are still there? Could be do to my compulsive investigation of the area? I've been checking the area repeatedly on a daily basis since my last exposure. I also have a pilonidal cyst. Can this be creating some of my symptoms?
I tested again on 10/28 (10 weeks post 1st exposure and 8 weeks post 2nd exposure). All tests came back negative. I did my tests through LabCorp and the results are as follows:
HIV 1/0/2 Abs-ICMA
HIV 1/0/2 Abs-Index Value <1.0
HIV 1/0/2 Abs, Qual - Non reactive
Chlamydia trachomatis, NAA - Negative
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, NAA - Negative
HSV1 and 2 - Specific Ab, IgG
HSV 1 IgG, Type Spec <0.91 (Negative)
HSV 2 IgG, Type Spec <0.91 (Negative)
RPR - non reactive
Hep C Virus Ab <0.1
HBsAG Screen - Negative
1. Can I rely on these tests from LabCorp?
2. The herpes tests was not herpeselect (they said it was ELISA), but they appear to be type specific and both negative? Is this a good sign? Is this reliable?
3. Are there any STDs that I can rule out at this point?
4. Are there any tests that I should re-perform at 12 and/or 16 weeks or later?
5. I've been meticulously checking myself and I have not yet seen any lesions, blisters or pimples on my penis shaft or head? Is this a good sign this far out from my last exposure?
STOP CHECKING YOUR GENITALS. You can really irritate your genitals if you are inspecting too carefully, and confuse the picture.
LabCorp doesn't use the brand HerpeSelect, but their test is fine and as accurate. It is a good sign, yes.
I think it is safe to rule out Hepatitis B and C and syphilis, and probably HIV. The herpes test is likely 80% accurate at 2 months out. I like 4 months, 16 weeks.
Its good that you aren't seeing anything, but what matters are test results.
Terri