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No symptoms 4 weeks after?
I had unprotected vaginal and oral sex with my partner on 7/20. On 7/30, he informed me that he had found 2 bumps in his public hair line. At first, he dismissed them for ingrown hairs since he had recently shaved but thought he would get them checked just because he had never had anything like that before.
On 8/1, I went to the doc and was treated for a yeast infection due to some antibiotics I was on. That cleared up within two days of taking Difulcan. Told my doc about my partners bumps and she did a full STD panel and a visual exam. She said she saw nothing and didn't think I needed the herpes IGG testing done. On 8/2, my partner was told by his doc (visual exam) that it looked like herpes and he had a culture done. I freaked and went back to the doc 2 times that same week to be examined. She never saw any kind of blister/lesion. The last time I convinced her to give me the lab slip for the type specific tests. I still had not one herpes symptom.
On 8/8, my partner got word from his doc that his culture was positive for HSV-1. On 8/12, I got my test results back and they were IGG HSV-1 negative, IGG HSV-2 negative and IMG reactive. Blood was drawn at exactly 3 weeks post the encounter that preceeded his finding the bumps. We're at 4 weeks today and I have no symptoms of any kind. Would I have already had an outbreak considering I've never been exposed before? I know I need to be retested after reading here and I know that the IMG isn't a good indicator. I guess I'm just trying to hold out hope.
On 8/1, I went to the doc and was treated for a yeast infection due to some antibiotics I was on. That cleared up within two days of taking Difulcan. Told my doc about my partners bumps and she did a full STD panel and a visual exam. She said she saw nothing and didn't think I needed the herpes IGG testing done. On 8/2, my partner was told by his doc (visual exam) that it looked like herpes and he had a culture done. I freaked and went back to the doc 2 times that same week to be examined. She never saw any kind of blister/lesion. The last time I convinced her to give me the lab slip for the type specific tests. I still had not one herpes symptom.
On 8/8, my partner got word from his doc that his culture was positive for HSV-1. On 8/12, I got my test results back and they were IGG HSV-1 negative, IGG HSV-2 negative and IMG reactive. Blood was drawn at exactly 3 weeks post the encounter that preceeded his finding the bumps. We're at 4 weeks today and I have no symptoms of any kind. Would I have already had an outbreak considering I've never been exposed before? I know I need to be retested after reading here and I know that the IMG isn't a good indicator. I guess I'm just trying to hold out hope.
Hi I had a possible herpes exposer through unprotected sex about close to three months ago I got tested negative about a week after finding out he found two small bumps. He got tested positive for simplex one in the gential area and I got tested negative for both. Two months and a few days passed and still no symptom I’ve been checked by my gyno a lot she says everything looks fine. Getting tested next week should I not worry so much since ive never showed any signs?
I feel I am in the same boat as you. I'm now at 5 weeks possible exposure. I've had no symptoms and had my blood tests done. I tested negative for hsv2 but positive for hsv1 (which I knew I would due to cold sores) but I feel like there's something not right. I've had my exact results back and apparently it's best to test at 16 weeks post exposure as these results are most accurate. I think sometimes anxiety can make you worse. I've had no typical symptoms, just irritation (I have also been checking at least twice a day. I just want to say I know how you feel and I do hope you're negative.
thanks worry...yeah, i had just come off of antibiotics when the rash popped up after sex. not sure if it's jock itch from the guy or a continuation of a bacterial infection i had...they had found klebsiella pneumoniae (sp?) down there and that's why they put me on the meds. i just did a panel of tests for all types of bacterial infect. and hope to get the results by fri to make sure it's gone. i've heard it's a stubborn bact. infect. down there.
Prayerful,
I've never had any real HSV symptoms besides the ones that I convinced myself I was having. The two red spots I had cultured were probably caused by me inspecting myself numerous times a day. They went away in 24 hours. I've never had any kind of blister or lesion and the only itching I ever had was actually related to a yeast infection I got from being on antibiotics. My partner and I split after this little incident so I haven't been sexually active since my exposure.
I've never had any real HSV symptoms besides the ones that I convinced myself I was having. The two red spots I had cultured were probably caused by me inspecting myself numerous times a day. They went away in 24 hours. I've never had any kind of blister or lesion and the only itching I ever had was actually related to a yeast infection I got from being on antibiotics. My partner and I split after this little incident so I haven't been sexually active since my exposure.
Hi Worrywart,
i had recently had a rash and have had 2 tests post exposure that have been negative at about 5 wks. i plan to take just one more test and then i'm not revisiting the issue again. did you continue to see rashes up to your 12 wks like for instance after sex with your partner? that's when my rash popped up but went away the next day but i've suffered some type of nerve pain bc i've been having thigh pain since...it's decreased significantly, so i at least know the nerves are healing. any insight would be great. thanks.
i had recently had a rash and have had 2 tests post exposure that have been negative at about 5 wks. i plan to take just one more test and then i'm not revisiting the issue again. did you continue to see rashes up to your 12 wks like for instance after sex with your partner? that's when my rash popped up but went away the next day but i've suffered some type of nerve pain bc i've been having thigh pain since...it's decreased significantly, so i at least know the nerves are healing. any insight would be great. thanks.
yes you should be happy with your negatives - congrats!!!
your providers need to read the 2010 cdc herpes guidelines. continuing to draw the igm as well as diagnose herpes based on + igm results is actually malpractice at this point.
your providers need to read the 2010 cdc herpes guidelines. continuing to draw the igm as well as diagnose herpes based on + igm results is actually malpractice at this point.
I wanted to post that I got my 12 week post exposure IgG test results today. I was negative for both 1 & 2. I didn't realize that the doc also ordered an IgM. I know it is a worthless test for the most part but it came back positive again. I wish he hadn't run it because it makes me question things still. I should be happy with my negatives, right??
I'm just venting here I guess. I went to an urgent care today because I was experiencing some irritation on my leg/buttocks that turned out to be dermatitis. I told the doc my entire exposure story. She examined me and told me she saw absolutely no signs of herpes just the dermatitis. But, here's the thing, because I told her that I had a positive iMg, she said that I needed Valtrex. Why would she give me that when I have not one symptom? She also insisted that an IgG isn't good until 6 months and that the iGm means I have herpes....no ifs, ans or buts. I'm just frustrated that I can't see a doc in person that really knows what they are talking about. She said that everyone that comes in contact with a herpes infected person gets it:(
Well...I'm back with another question. I'm sorry. I' just trying to calm my nerves. I'm confused about something.
As I mentioned, my ex had a very, very mild breakout 10 days after we had sex 6 weeks ago. He had it cultured and it was HSV1. This wasn't our first time together. We had sex 2 other times - about 2 1/2 and 7 weeks prior to his outbreak. That would make it about 12 weeks today from our first time together. Now, the outbreak happened after the 3rd time. I had an IgM and IgG (type specific) done at 3 weeks post our last time together. I guess that would be about 10 weeks past our first time together. Ignoring the the IgM that came back reactive, both IgG tests were negative at 10 weeks then. What would I consider my first true exposure to herpes now knowing that he has it and more than likely it didn't come from me? Would it be our first time together or the third since his outbreak happened then?
I had a panic over a few spots that I found but had them cultured within 24 hours of them showing up and the results were negative. My mind and anxiety are driving me nuts. Wouldn't I have had an outbreak by now?
As I mentioned, my ex had a very, very mild breakout 10 days after we had sex 6 weeks ago. He had it cultured and it was HSV1. This wasn't our first time together. We had sex 2 other times - about 2 1/2 and 7 weeks prior to his outbreak. That would make it about 12 weeks today from our first time together. Now, the outbreak happened after the 3rd time. I had an IgM and IgG (type specific) done at 3 weeks post our last time together. I guess that would be about 10 weeks past our first time together. Ignoring the the IgM that came back reactive, both IgG tests were negative at 10 weeks then. What would I consider my first true exposure to herpes now knowing that he has it and more than likely it didn't come from me? Would it be our first time together or the third since his outbreak happened then?
I had a panic over a few spots that I found but had them cultured within 24 hours of them showing up and the results were negative. My mind and anxiety are driving me nuts. Wouldn't I have had an outbreak by now?
this doesn't sound at all like genital herpes on you.
don't let the "idea" of herpes cause you more anxiety than you need to have!
don't let the "idea" of herpes cause you more anxiety than you need to have!
And one last question. From what I have read on here, if this was an initial outbreak, these red spots would last for more than a few days. The two red spots have basically faded away (still can see them faintly) unless I start poking at them. Herpes doesn't go away in a matter of 2-3 days correct?
I hate to ask these questions. I really do and I appreciate the time you take to answer. I can see how this becomes so consuming for people.
I hate to ask these questions. I really do and I appreciate the time you take to answer. I can see how this becomes so consuming for people.
Oh my! I so want to let this all go! I'm losing my mind not knowing anything.
I'm assuming that for the most part the outbreak would have happened sooner than it did now. I'm just so confused over all of this to be honest.
Partner breaks out with two very tiny clusters in the public region 10 days after I give him unprotected oral and we have vaginal intercourse (maybe a minute or so with no ejaculation). Based on his outbreak and time frame I assume is HSV1 (by culture) is from me but I tested igg negative at 3 weeks post exposure.
If I am truly negative and he had it already, is it uncommon for his initial breakout to be so mild? What are the chances of me getting it genitally? I know there is always a chance. I'm just wondering if he was shedding 10 days prior to the outbreak.
I have two flat spots on the upper vulva/public hair region and what appears to be a single pimple on my on butt cheek. I know the people at the clinic are going to think I am crazy if I go back today since they swabbed the first spot on Saturday. Can they swab a flat red spot or do they need an actual lesion/ulcer? The PA kinda rushed me out. I called my GP today but don't know if I will be able to get it. Am I over reacting to all of this? Besides the really small spots and the one on my butt, I have nothing else that says herpes.
I'm assuming that for the most part the outbreak would have happened sooner than it did now. I'm just so confused over all of this to be honest.
Partner breaks out with two very tiny clusters in the public region 10 days after I give him unprotected oral and we have vaginal intercourse (maybe a minute or so with no ejaculation). Based on his outbreak and time frame I assume is HSV1 (by culture) is from me but I tested igg negative at 3 weeks post exposure.
If I am truly negative and he had it already, is it uncommon for his initial breakout to be so mild? What are the chances of me getting it genitally? I know there is always a chance. I'm just wondering if he was shedding 10 days prior to the outbreak.
I have two flat spots on the upper vulva/public hair region and what appears to be a single pimple on my on butt cheek. I know the people at the clinic are going to think I am crazy if I go back today since they swabbed the first spot on Saturday. Can they swab a flat red spot or do they need an actual lesion/ulcer? The PA kinda rushed me out. I called my GP today but don't know if I will be able to get it. Am I over reacting to all of this? Besides the really small spots and the one on my butt, I have nothing else that says herpes.
yes odds are you would have a very "classic" and obvious ob if you had contracted it - in other words, pretty painful.
Grace,
I'm in panic mood. Earlier today I noticed a single red (5mm in size) area just above the vulva in the public hair. It is not a bump, just a flat red area. I freaked and went to the clinic and they did culture it but there was no open sore or anything to swab.
At almost 5 weeks past exposure, if I have never been exposed, would I have more than one sore for an outbreak? I have no other classic symptoms at this point. My nerves have gotten the best of me at this point. The PA at the clinic said she thinks I'm fine and did the swab as more of peace of mind for me.
I'm in panic mood. Earlier today I noticed a single red (5mm in size) area just above the vulva in the public hair. It is not a bump, just a flat red area. I freaked and went to the clinic and they did culture it but there was no open sore or anything to swab.
At almost 5 weeks past exposure, if I have never been exposed, would I have more than one sore for an outbreak? I have no other classic symptoms at this point. My nerves have gotten the best of me at this point. The PA at the clinic said she thinks I'm fine and did the swab as more of peace of mind for me.
Grace,
I have one last question. This is about my test results. I had my lab work done at the local hospital and it looks like it was sent to the Mayo Clinic. My lab report does not give numerical values for my negative Igg HSV1 and IGG HSV2 results, and it only shows reactive for Img (with the reference being negative). Can most labs provide me with the numerical values?
Again, no outbreak at 4 weeks post exposure but wondering if testing again in 8 weeks will give me peace of mind.
I have one last question. This is about my test results. I had my lab work done at the local hospital and it looks like it was sent to the Mayo Clinic. My lab report does not give numerical values for my negative Igg HSV1 and IGG HSV2 results, and it only shows reactive for Img (with the reference being negative). Can most labs provide me with the numerical values?
Again, no outbreak at 4 weeks post exposure but wondering if testing again in 8 weeks will give me peace of mind.
blood testing your partner at the time of symptoms might've helped with the new or old issue hence why I asked.
the herpes igm test is a greatly flawed test and current cdc recommendations are that it not be done on adults. It being + really is meaningless unfortunately.
definitely your partner needs to read more about hsv1 genitally! send him the link to the free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com.
the herpes igm test is a greatly flawed test and current cdc recommendations are that it not be done on adults. It being + really is meaningless unfortunately.
definitely your partner needs to read more about hsv1 genitally! send him the link to the free herpes handbook at www.westoverheights.com.
First, Petals and Grace, thank you so much for responding.
To answer your questions Grace, my partner didn't have blood work done since his culture came back positive for HSV-1. The doc said he more than likely got it from oral sex and that there was no real point in testing based on the positive culture results.
I had a full panel of STD testing done (including the IMG and IGG type specific) and everything was negative at 3 weeks post exposure with the exception of the IMG (reactive).
My partner has pretty much gone into hiding over this. He told me he needs time to deal with it and worries that he would give it to me and the guilt he would have. I hope he takes the time to educate himself like I am trying to do.
Thank you!!
To answer your questions Grace, my partner didn't have blood work done since his culture came back positive for HSV-1. The doc said he more than likely got it from oral sex and that there was no real point in testing based on the positive culture results.
I had a full panel of STD testing done (including the IMG and IGG type specific) and everything was negative at 3 weeks post exposure with the exception of the IMG (reactive).
My partner has pretty much gone into hiding over this. He told me he needs time to deal with it and worries that he would give it to me and the guilt he would have. I hope he takes the time to educate himself like I am trying to do.
Thank you!!
odds are if you are really herpes negative that if you contracted hsv1 genitally from your partner, you'd have had pretty obvious symptoms. no reason for more testing for you to be honest since you've had none and it's been a month now.
you two might never figure out accurately if this is new or old for him at this point. I'm guessing he didn't also have an igg blood test done at the time of his symptoms too?
Odds are your partner will not transmit hsv1 to you from their genitals. Avoiding sex anytime he has symptoms is recommended but the risk of transmission to you is low over all.
have you guys covered the other std testing bases too?
grace
you two might never figure out accurately if this is new or old for him at this point. I'm guessing he didn't also have an igg blood test done at the time of his symptoms too?
Odds are your partner will not transmit hsv1 to you from their genitals. Avoiding sex anytime he has symptoms is recommended but the risk of transmission to you is low over all.
have you guys covered the other std testing bases too?
grace
I don't ever remember getting a cold sore but then again I may be thinking worse case scenario (big and nasty sore). Years ago, I remember getting what I considered a crack in the corner of my mouth every so often but never thought anything more of it since Carmex seemed to heal it over the course of a few days.
I do know that my partner's ex gets cold sores. We discussed that when this all came up. He claims he has never had any kind of outbreak before. This one consisted of two small areas that got a few tiny blisters and they were in the public hair region - not on his penis/shaft. The only thing he said he had with it was itching which he controlled with Benadryl.
I assumed he would have gotten it from me since his symptoms popped up in the standard incubation period but I have nothing and never remember ever having anything. My doc keeps trying to tell me that I got it from him because of the negative IGG and positive IMG. My ex and I were together for 14 years (separated the last 9 months) and neither of us have ever had an outbreak that we know of. My ex gets cold sores every so often but he's never been tested to see if they were true cold sores (HSV-1).
I'm just confused. I figured I'd have some kind of outbreak by now (4 weeks past exposure). I guess all I can do is wait it out 8 weeks to retest or get swabbed if something pops up? I just hate to think about living the next 8 weeks in limbo and then not know if I have it orally or genitally if I am positive.
I do know that my partner's ex gets cold sores. We discussed that when this all came up. He claims he has never had any kind of outbreak before. This one consisted of two small areas that got a few tiny blisters and they were in the public hair region - not on his penis/shaft. The only thing he said he had with it was itching which he controlled with Benadryl.
I assumed he would have gotten it from me since his symptoms popped up in the standard incubation period but I have nothing and never remember ever having anything. My doc keeps trying to tell me that I got it from him because of the negative IGG and positive IMG. My ex and I were together for 14 years (separated the last 9 months) and neither of us have ever had an outbreak that we know of. My ex gets cold sores every so often but he's never been tested to see if they were true cold sores (HSV-1).
I'm just confused. I figured I'd have some kind of outbreak by now (4 weeks past exposure). I guess all I can do is wait it out 8 weeks to retest or get swabbed if something pops up? I just hate to think about living the next 8 weeks in limbo and then not know if I have it orally or genitally if I am positive.
Well, there are a couple possibilities here. Your partner's genital HSV1 would have almost certainly come from an oral transmission, meaning from someone performing oral sex on him who has oral HSV1. While your test came back negative for both, 1 in 10 HSV1 infections are missed with an IgG blood test, unfortunately. Do you ever recall having cold sores, even in childhood?
The other scenario is that your partner acquired this from a previous partner and this is a recurrent outbreak. Did he have lesions on his penis, of just the pubic area? Was it just a couple, or a pretty extensive outbreak? Typically a primary infection outbreak is at the point where the virus is actually transmitted on the skin; penis/shaft for men, labia/vulva for women. And, a primary outbreak can be accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms and consist of many/multiple painful lesions. Recurring HSV1 is typically much milder with only a couple lesions and no other symptoms.
The other scenario is that your partner acquired this from a previous partner and this is a recurrent outbreak. Did he have lesions on his penis, of just the pubic area? Was it just a couple, or a pretty extensive outbreak? Typically a primary infection outbreak is at the point where the virus is actually transmitted on the skin; penis/shaft for men, labia/vulva for women. And, a primary outbreak can be accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms and consist of many/multiple painful lesions. Recurring HSV1 is typically much milder with only a couple lesions and no other symptoms.
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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.
