genital herpes

I'm  male. had protected vaginal sex 9 days ago. was as careful as humanly possible. i.e. didn't use the same hand I touched her with to put on the condom. no unprotected genital contact. I had shaved perhaps a week before because I'd heard that limiting hair might slightly reduce risk and had no tears, pimples or breaks in the skin in the genital area. had no indication she had or has anything.

Was hyper observant over the course of the next few days. would look every now and then. gently spreading hairs and skin to see.

Noticed raised red bumps 5 days ago in my pubic hair(approximately 15-17). 2 on scrotum. 5-9 on penis base. 5-9 on abdomen spread apart not clumped. As far as I can tell all or nearly are at follicles.

No pain, Fever, or blisters. Some clear fluid from pores. i don't think my lymph nodes are swollen.
Some have scabs. slightly itchy. A couple are pretty inflamed. they seem to be created, maybe pus and scab over withing 12- 24 hrs. no scab is larger than 3 mm.

I read that primary infection rarely happens in the pubic region even when a condom is used. Usually its on the penis and is then transferred later to other areas.

Could I have caused these bumps simply by being paranoid and touching the area way to often looking for herpes. i.e. Could I cause inflammation(folliculitis?) and bacterial/fungal infection by being too observant and picking at the genital area looking for herpes.

I have fairly sensitive skin and I seem to be getting new ones.

I know nothing can be diagnosed without actually seeing it. and an email post. isn't a substitute for a Dr. visit.

Thanks in advance. looking for any peace of mind. I'm spinning on this.

I'm sure this is similar to every other post.

C

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

If you are still getting new ones I strongly encourage you to go to a professional and have an evaluation.  They should be swab tested if at all possible for herpes.  I can't tell over the internet if this is herpes but if they are oozing clear fluid and some are scabbing this is very worrisome.  Please go right in and have this done as earlier testing is more accurate.  

By the way shaving makes you more vulnerable to problems, not less.

Let me know what the provider says about your rash.

Terri

[curious_c]

PS: Im worried about a first time exposure. I've tested negative for HSV in the past. I believe I am HSV negative.

[curious_c]

Thank you

Went and got the swab test. awaiting results.

I'm pretty sure(99.9%) its Herpes at this point.

Because the part of my genitals that is infected can't be covered with a condom even with a condom sex would have an extremely high probability of transmission. male to female. even the slightest uncovered touch would do it. correct?

Is sex(even protected) during an outbreak a near guarantee of infection?

can you confirm or do you agree in these hypothesis?

since it was protected(carefully) should I worry about non skin to skin transmissible std's?

Thanks in advance.

C

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

So the provider that you saw said they are almost certain it is herpes?
Protected sex during an outbreak is risky but not a guarantee of infection, no.  However, I have certainly seen people who acquired herpes while using a condom.  I would not worry about non skin to skin STD's, no.

Terri

[curious_c]

I thought I posted on this...

Yes. they thought it was herpes. I'll post data once I have swab results.

Thanks Terri

Chuck.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

OK, I"ll wait those results.

Terri

[curious_c]

Here's the data. I'll try to keep it short.

HSV1 Positive

HSV2 Negative

Contracted onto base of penis and abdomen during protected intercourse.

Hoping(fingers crossed) I have little or now recurrence.

From all I've read while not great HSV1 is not nearly as bad as what HSV2 can be. Worrying about it is of no use. true?

I'll inform future partners of my status but besides using a condom and not having sex during an outbreak is there much I can do to proactively protect future partners?

Is this really the same as a lip coldsore on my genitals?

Does having a strong response to initial outbreak help reduce future occurrences?

Thanks in advance.

Chuck