Was my herpes test accurate?

Hello,
I recently noticed a few small red spots on the bottom of my scrotum. Naturally, I assumed the worst and saw a dermatologist. She couldnt culture the spots because they were too small. SHe wrote me a perscription for Valtrex to see if they would go away. The Valtrex didn't work. I also took a herpes titer which came back negative for hsv 1 and 2. My concern is the window period for the test. My previous sexual encounter was two weeks prior to the blood test. The spots are still there. Was the test accurate or should I retake it in a few months?

[yi3o8]

If the test was an IgG test and the exposure was new then it may have taken a few months for antibodies to show up.

If the valtrex didn't do anything than it may not be herpes, and the symptoms do no seem severe or abnormal from normal skin.

Still, routine testing is the best way for you to be sure.

[gearhead857]

Thanks for the quick response. The test was igg. As for the symptoms, they are just red spots. It seemed like they were going away but im not sure. The valtrex didn't do anything, but I read that it wouldnt make them go away unless I took the Valtrex richt when the symptoms began.

[gracefromHHP]

just red spots can be many things.  at this point, if they've been there without changing for 2 weeks or more, they probably are not herpes.  return to the dermatologist if they are still there a week from now or get worse.

grace

[gearhead857]

thanks for the advice. i cant remember if they went away or just faded a bit, because i stopped checking after i got my negative result. I called the dermatologist and have an appointment tommorrow

[gearhead857]

So the doctor said she didn't see anything, but I clearly do. I'm starting to get very confused and frustrated. They are a couple of red spots that look kind of like scars. They seem to fade and get brighter. No puss or anything like that, and they dont feel exceptionally itchy...

[gracefromHHP]

these don't sound at all like herpes.

grace

[gearhead857]

That's good. I went for a second opinion and the doc said the same thing. But she also said to keep an eye on it, and return in three months for a retest. Today, the dots are fading away. Honestly, I'm more worried about transmitting it to someone else, but the doc said it isn't contagious now? For some reason I find that difficult to believe. Hah, this stuff is very confusing!

[Mistakeguy789]

Remember not EVERYTHING that happens down there is Herpes :-)

[gearhead857]

Haha. That's good advice, but I wanna be 100% on this one. I just started dating a girl that means a lot to me, and the last thing i want to do is put her health at risk.

[gearhead857]

I have a new concern: I was looking at the spots and touched them with my fingers, then scratched my lip. Should I not kiss anyone until I retake the blood test?

[gracefromHHP]

no, this isn't an issue.

have you discussed full stds screening with your new gf?

grace

[gearhead857]

She's has been my best friend for years, so I know almost everything about her. She hasn't done anything that would give her an std. She's very responsible. I would rather get something form her than give something to her. I have been tested for everything, except this innaccurate herpes test.

[gracefromHHP]

if she's ever had sex then she's been at risk. don't make assumptions that will just put you back into the same place you are now!!    it's being sexually responsible to talk about std testing and to get it regularly.

grace

[gearhead857]

Very good advice. I just wish my symptoms could be explained more definitively. If I wasn't with this girl, I'd just keep an eye on it like the doctor says. The spots are almost completely faded now, so I can't even ask for a biopsy. This really sucks for a 19 year old:(

[Mistakeguy789]

Don't we all wish that everything was an exact perfect mixture.  You are fine and need to stop worrying.  Relax.  Remember not everything down there is herpes as I said before.