Posssible exposure?

Hi, two nights ago I had a possible exposure to std when I stupidly had brief unprotected oral (her on me) and brief unprotected vaginal sex (5-10 min) with a women i met that night. I realized what i was doing then stopped. My partner claimed to have nothing but can't be sure obviously. I always use condoms(i'm not very sexually active anyway) and this was a random isolated incident but i know thats all it takes sometimes. I am wondering what my chances are of catching an std (mainly concerned about herpes, hpv, syphilis,etc.) from a single, brief unprotected encounter like this. I am going to go get tested at the appropriate time. Thanks to anyone who could give advice or suggestions.

[gracefromHHP]

this is still low risk in general. the only reason I would even recommend follow up std testing is because you have another regular partner who needs protected.

grace

[Matt_84]

I read an answer  by one of the doctors on this site in reply to another person in similar situation to me and he said even if partner did have an std (which he said was a low chance in general) the chance of the partner transmitting it in one encounter protected or unprotected was low. how much creedance is there in that statement? just getting your opinion on it. Thanks for the first comment kinda helped put my mind at ease.

[gracefromHHP]

already said the risk was low in general.

if you didn't have a regular partner, I wouldn't even have recommended any testing unless you developed any obvious symptoms in the next 2 weeks or so.

grace

[Matt_84]

Sorry to be a pain in the butt, but are there any symptoms you would consider obvious besides lesions, blister, or sores? What if first outbreak was asymptomatic, would you still recommend testing?

[Matt_84]

Grace this was the first time I've gone skin on skin is it possible the head of my penis and urethral opening could have gotten irritated or i had a reaction to sex which explains some redness and soreness i've been having.

[gracefromHHP]

if you don't have another partner ( realized rereading your post you were referring to the partner from this encounter ), I honestly wouldn't even bother with testing. sorry for any confusion.

grace

[Matt_84]

thanks grace

[Matt_84]

found a blister -like (looked like) thing forming near my urethra so i got it checked out and doctor said it wasn't herpes. when i showed him i was only about 5 days post possible exposure, was this too early. b/c he said i didn't have what looked like herpes but this blister looking thing is still getting wierd sensations/tingling. gave me antibiotics incase it was bacterial and said come back if it got worse. its really hard to get a read on this thing cause it looks different in different light and at differrent angles. I'm such a basketcase right now and at my wits end. crazy to say but i would just like to be done with the worrying whether good news or bad

[Mistakeguy789]

At this point I would show the doctor and request to have it swabed and sent for culture or PCR test (PCR test would be best but is costly so if you have insurance see if it will be covered.)  If the bump has been there for less then 48 hours it is the best to get it checked.  

[Matt_84]

If the blister-looking thing doesn't change in couple days should i still consider having culture test? or if it does change should i let it grow some more to give doctor something substantial to culture?

[Matt_84]

oh mistakeguy789 this thing i'm talkin about is like a slightly raised patch same color as rest of head. but i will go in and see if i can get it cultured.

[gracefromHHP]

too late for a culture at this point. sounds like it's been there quite a few days now.

grace

[Matt_84]

so what do u think i should do grace?

[Matt_84]

this slightly raised was noticed like a day and a half ago

[Mistakeguy789]

If it was there for less then 48 hours you can safely get a culture.  However, anything over 48 hours decreases the ability of a accurate culture test.

[gracefromHHP]

bottom line matt is you have new symptoms so you need to follow up on them. we are very limited as to what help we can offer at this point online.

grace

[Matt_84]

oh man its going on 2 days since i noticed it. i was gona go back to doctors today to hopefully get a culture done but i guess i can't do that now. But in 2 days time its grown minimally if at all. if this were an initial outbreak how long does it take on average for these things to fill up and burst before crusting over and healing. im gonna try and make it over to the doctors one of these days coming up so hopefully it is herpes they can give me some anti-virals to make this initial outbreak much easier. I'm in grad school and its hard enough without having to worry about this.

[Matt_84]

I went back to doctor today that i went to thursday to see if the blister-like thing on my penis head was herpatic cause i felt like it had gotten worse. i am going on 8 days post exposure now and the doctor today told me he is very, very certain its not herpes (said hes seen about 300 cases of herpes over 30 yrs.). Gave me antibiotics for possible fungal/yeast infection from partner(woman) and NSU. Gave me script for valtrex just incase to "give me peace of mind." I still think in my heart of hearts i should get a second opinion he gave me number of urologist in area. Would getting a second opinion be prudent? Thanks to everyone who has helped me thus far.

[Matt_84]

So after what the doctor i saw said and the fact this thing i thought my have been a herpes blister on the head of my penis has not grown, broken open, gotten more red, etc. after almost 5 days later should i turn my attention elsewhere. this all is driving me crazy.

[Matt_84]

ok now going on 15 days post exposure and blister-looking thing is same as day i saw it. the right side of my penis head is kinda bumpy as well but i forgot to mention it in first post  that it was was there when i found this blister-looking thing. but still having some tingling and sensations on head of penis around this thing.Been taking valtrex for 5 days, got 2 more left of meds. Went to std clinic since last post and got tested for the works. PA there told me what i have didn't look like herpes. No lymph node inflammation or tenderness, which is good i guess. But, i still feel like this could be a mild case that both medical care providers i've seen are missing. My penis head just doesn't look 100% normal. Any suggestions on my next move, b/c i'm  totally lost.

[gracefromHHP]

you've been seen a few times now and had proper exams done. No one who's seen you seems to think your symptoms are due to herpes. not really anything else we can suggest that we haven't already.

grace

[Matt_84]

thanks for all your advice grace i think i might wait a little longer to see if anything changes this week (an overt breakout)  then maybe see another person for their opinion, and if they said no to herpes i will hopefully relax and wait until appropriate time to take a blood test.

[greeneyedblonde1]

Ok Matt.  I  have read all that you have stated.  First, you can get anything any time you come in contact with someone unprotected. I am shocked that I keep reading for you not to worry about it.
Second, you sound like herpes is going to make you die.  It's not fatal.  1 in 4 people have it and don't even know it.  Unless you were tested before you ever had sex with anyone for herpes, then you do not know if you had it too.  You are producing so much anxiety without knowing what you have.
1.  Treat yourself with monistat for a yeast infection.  Over the counter in the female section.  Coat yourself for a couple of days and then it should be gone if it's yeast.
2.  Because of how long you waited to get on Valtrex, it's not going to do a thing for you now.  Valtrex is either taken daily or at the first twinge or indicator.
3.  Did you get a blood test just for herpes?  Getting the works NEVER includes herpes.  It is a totally different test.
4.  Get a new doctor.

[Matt_84]

Hey thanks for the comments, i had a herpes igg blood test done late last year and was negative for both hsv-1 and hsv-2. this was my first new partner since then. the first doctor i saw said it could be yeast. Yea i thought the valtrex wouldn't do much nothing has changed nothing better nothing worse. The tests i did at std clinic were for: gonnerreha, syphilis, HIV, chyamida, and got a herpes igg test (i know it won't yield accurate results) but im gonna take another in couple months. is it possible for a possible herpes lesion/blister to remain unchanged for almost two weeks? I am a realist and have excepted the fact i may have herpes, i just want to know whats what so i can move on with my life and deal with whatever it turns out to be. Is there a specialist you think would give me the best diagnosis of what i might have cause saw 2 medical professionals now who said no? But, really thanks for the comments.

[petal130]

No need to go to a specialist. No, a herpes blister will NOT stay unchanged for 2 weeks. It changes almost daily, actually, and would be well on the way to healed after 2 weeks. I know, I have genital herpes.

As grace stated, no one you've seen thinks it's herpes. Follow-up if you are symptomatic and getting proper treatment, instead of assuming it's herpes.

[Matt_84]

hey yesterday and today been having some neurologic issues (tingling/soreness/pin and needles) in my big toe, lateral foot, and my upper thigh(hip flexor) on right side. Is their any correlation you think to the possible herpes lesion being on right side of penis. Is it possible for possible symptoms to pop up like this a week and half apart during initial outbreak(thing on penis possibly being first even though unchanged). I've read symptoms like this don't appear unless obvious, outright lesion/s are present and from my experience so far mine may not be. Thanks for  all your help thus far.

[gracefromHHP]

you need to continue following up with your providers if you are concerned. not really anything else we can help you with at this point.

grace

[Matt_84]

Grace would a dermatologist be the next best person to see? Thing on penis head is still more or less the same (well nothing substantial has happened) after 17 days. Oh what is your advise on this issue/how would you handle this....im getting close with a woman and i don't wanna have sex with her until i figure out whats going on with me, but i don't want her to take not having sex with her as i don't like her. Also, if i were to tell her i might have contracted something i don't know her well enough to fully trust her with this confidential info. Thanks.

[petal130]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Possible-exposure-herpesneed-help/show/1301377?personal_page_id=386397#post_5957971

Seems Dr. Handsfield (and grace) have told you to move beyond herpes. Indeed, dermatologists specialize in skin issues, so it makes sense.

[gracefromHHP]

Just tell the gal that you like to wait until you really know someone until you are sexual with them.  tell her you are interested in her and want to continue to get to know her better.

if you aren't at the point where you are ready to talk about this with her, then don't but don't have sex either until you have better answers.

grace

[momo1981]

did you do a blood test yet? if so what was the result ?

[Matt_84]

I had a blood test a little while back (first partner since test) and was negative for hsv-1 and hsv-2. Got one 12 days post possible exposure (i know it will probably reveal same thing). The waiting for next one is so difficult. It think i will probably go c dermotoligist to get his opinion.

[momo1981]

so you did another blood test after 2nd partner in 12 days after contact?

[Matt_84]

No i had a blood test last year which was negative for both hsv-1 and hsv-2. This possible exposure i'm referencing in this thread is with my first partner since the blood test which was negative for both. I think i will wait until 9 weeks post exposure to do another igg test, b/c i've read on these forums at 9 weeks post exposure the tests are about 90% accurate.

[Matt_84]

well went and saw a dermatologist today as dr. HHH specified and derm. saw nothing that resembled herpes. This is the worst (i think) my penis has looked and he said no to herpes. So its going on 24 days post possible exposure so probably won't see many new progressions in regards to new things appearing. This third opinion being a dermatologist and having him say no gives me a little more comfort and this is probably as comfortable as i can get until i take a blood test. I'm still wondering the chances a potential "initial outbreak" could cause secondary symptoms (ie leg pain, headache) and not primary symptoms (ie. obvious sores/lesions/blisters on genitals) that dr. wouldn't see? Thanks to everyone now its time to wait to take a blood test.

[gracefromHHP]

so what did the dermatologist think was going on?

[Matt_84]

he said everything looked normal and i kept at him about what i thought was abnormal but he was pretty certain that nothing was wrong. Still a little skeptical after visit but also at ease a little more, and i think i'll just wait until its time to take a blood test to make sure everything is right. Three medical providers said no and its going on 24 days post exposure i'm sure one of the doctors would have seen something given the timing and when i saw them. Grace i will trust in you, dr. HHH, and everyone else on the thread and calm myself and take blood test at appropriate time.

[Matt_84]

sorry grace to elaborate a little more he said there were no signs of an sti in his opinion. He was an older dr. so i assume he's seen them all and could recognize an sti on genital skin. I think this was the last dr. i'll  go see, only other one i would see is infectious disease dr. but still not sure. I don't have money and time to go see more people. You think stopping to see people (seen 3 already) and just wait for blood test is correct way to go?

[gracefromHHP]

I never recommend an infectious disease doctor. unless they specialize in std's, usually you don't get a good experience out of them. most of them consider std's as wasting their time for the most part.  

you've seen 3 providers and this last one didn't see a darn thing going on. definitely time to call off the crotch watch and save your money.

grace

[Matt_84]

hahahahaha yea blood test is last thing to do when time, thank you grace and i will report back when i have any new substantial news. thanks a ton.

[Matt_84]

oh i'm sorry grace keep forgetting to add things in previous posts. If my last test was negative for both hsv-1 and hsv-2 and this possible encounter was my first partner since last test would 6-8 weeks be good enough to determine if i had newly acquired infection on igg blood test or should i wait little longer.

[gracefromHHP]

3 months is how long you need to wait. I know it's hard but if you don't wait that long, you'll just end up testing again and spending more money and causing yourself more anxiety.

grace

[Matt_84]

Grace is 11 weeks after good enough b/c i'm switching residences at 12 weeks post exposure and its easier to do blood test where i'm at now. I mean its one week short of the 12-16 weeks which is the optimal choice.

[gracefromHHP]

yes that is fine.

[Matt_84]

Grace i wondering the chances a potential "initial outbreak" could cause secondary symptoms (ie leg pain, headache) and not primary symptoms (ie. obvious sores/lesions/blisters on genitals) that dr. wouldn't see? Is it really low, low chance or is this highly possible, just curious.

[Matt_84]

I only ask b/c i've had some neuropathy in both (but mostly right) butt, legs, and feet for almost two weeks that came with some redness  and bumps(that hasn't changed very much in almost two weeks) 2 weeks post exposure. I had back(disc) problems last year and i was doing some high impact stuff (jumped off 3-4 foot wall day before it started). I've read neuropathy is a prodramal symptom of herpes but can it last weeks? Saw dermatologist since its been there he said looked fine but im still skeptical but then again hasn't changed much. Anyone know some over the counter fungal creams, i wanna try that and see of it gets rid it.

[petal130]

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/STDs/Possible-exposure-herpesneed-help/show/1301377#post_5987356

[Matt_84]

Quick question if i've had neuropathy in butt, legs, feet for over 2 weeks can i rule out initial herpes outbreak as the cause ?

[gracefromHHP]

not really anything else we can help you with at this point unless you get lab results we can comment on. continue to follow up with your provider for any further symptoms you have. you have reached the  limits to which this forum can help you at this point.

grace

[Matt_84]

hypothetically, could lifting weights, getting chiropractic adjustments, etc. that affects nerve flow prolong a herpes outbreak weeks (in particular an initial outbreak) or just make outbreaks come more often (make them more active)?

[Mistakeguy789]

Are you serious?  Dude it is time to take the advice you were given.  Stop guessing and playing what if's and hypothetically.  Time for a test and move on.  

[Matt_84]

i am going to test its only been about 5.5 weeks gonna wait til at least 8 weeks to test

[Matt_84]

what kind of percentage of accuracy is getting an igg blood test at 8-10 weeks post possible exposure? Then the accuracy of those results with no obvious lesions/blisters/ etc. as to confirm herpes is not an issue?

[gracefromHHP]

matt - no more questions unless you have test results to post.

this post is far too long at this point.

grace

[Matt_84]

I am going to get a blood test in a week or 2 and i was wondering if testing centers that promise results back in 24 hrs are legit? The one in my area does that. I am going to make sure they do the Igg test for hsv1 and hsv2.

[Matt_84]

got a blood test this week after 8.25 weeks post possible exposure and results were negative for both hsv-1 and hsv-2. Can i be very confident that i don't have herpes considering i haven't had a breakout either and would getting tested at 12-16 weeks even be worth the time or money? thanks to everyone on the boards for their advice during this ordeal.