Aa
question about herpes
Hi,
I recently had an encounter with a woman, who has herpes. We had safe sex with a condom, but our genitals did touch beforehand. She said she was in the dormant phase. About three days afterwards I noticed a small "zit" on my stomach. I was wondering if this is a symptom on herpes? I have not really had any other symptoms(except an upset stomach from worrying so much,) but thought that the hair follicles on my testicles were herpes. I have been obsessively looking online for symptoms of herpes. I have been really up in my head about this. After reading different posts, it seems that I am probably over reacting to this situation. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
I recently had an encounter with a woman, who has herpes. We had safe sex with a condom, but our genitals did touch beforehand. She said she was in the dormant phase. About three days afterwards I noticed a small "zit" on my stomach. I was wondering if this is a symptom on herpes? I have not really had any other symptoms(except an upset stomach from worrying so much,) but thought that the hair follicles on my testicles were herpes. I have been obsessively looking online for symptoms of herpes. I have been really up in my head about this. After reading different posts, it seems that I am probably over reacting to this situation. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
did he think a fungal infection or a folliculitis? did he prescribe any treatment?
Thank you for your insight Grace. I have been checked for Herpes about 10 years ago. I just got back from a doctor, and explained my symptoms...(pimple on stomach, whiteheads or follicles on my penis shaft,) he examined me, and said that he does not think I have herpes. He said that the symptoms of herpes were blisters that come in groups, and some kind of discharge. The symptoms do not match. I am still so paranoid though.
is it likely that you contracted herpes from a one time protected encounter? no it is not.
your symptoms do not sound like herpes. don't allow the idea of having had sex with someone with herpes to make you worry needlessly. it's overall very low risk and you should be amazed if you did contract herpes, not be constantly checking yourself out for signs of it.
have you ever been tested for herpes before to know your own status?
grace
your symptoms do not sound like herpes. don't allow the idea of having had sex with someone with herpes to make you worry needlessly. it's overall very low risk and you should be amazed if you did contract herpes, not be constantly checking yourself out for signs of it.
have you ever been tested for herpes before to know your own status?
grace
I'll try to answer some of your questions. I know it's pointless to encourage you not to stress, but know that you shouldn't worry until there's a reason to worry. It's certainly possible that you're overreacting, but I think it's good to find out for sure exactly what your symptoms mean.
I concur with mnonyous - it's unlikely that the pimple on your stomach is HSV. But it's certainly possible. I had outbreaks on my abdomen the first few months after my diagnosis. The condom only protects us 30% of the time, and does not cover every place the virus could be present.
The caveat to this is that the virus requires skin-to-skin contact, and a portal (cut, wound, tear) for entry (intercourse tends to create these small breaks in the genital lining or surface).
The next time you have a new blister, you may want to get it cultured - within 48 hours - if you are very worried. Then in 4 months, get an IgG type-specific blood test for HSV. It might give you peace of mind.
Try to manage your stress! Your symptoms could be a lot of things, including pimples!
I concur with mnonyous - it's unlikely that the pimple on your stomach is HSV. But it's certainly possible. I had outbreaks on my abdomen the first few months after my diagnosis. The condom only protects us 30% of the time, and does not cover every place the virus could be present.
The caveat to this is that the virus requires skin-to-skin contact, and a portal (cut, wound, tear) for entry (intercourse tends to create these small breaks in the genital lining or surface).
The next time you have a new blister, you may want to get it cultured - within 48 hours - if you are very worried. Then in 4 months, get an IgG type-specific blood test for HSV. It might give you peace of mind.
Try to manage your stress! Your symptoms could be a lot of things, including pimples!
Thanks for your answer. I have been looking at my crotch region very obsessively for the past few days. I thought I had itching, but I do have a recurring case of jock itch on my leg/groin area. I would highly value an expert opinion on this matter. Am I overreacting, or is this something to be concerned over?
I'm no expert, just someone who has obsessively searched for answers himself over the past two months. From what I understand, an outbreak can happen anywhere in the boxers area. If it's above your boxer area, it's not likely to be herpes. I've also read that primary outbreaks are usually at the point of initial infection. So if this were a primary outbreak, I believe it would most likely be on the penis or close to it...but I'm sure an expert can chime in and give you a better answer.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
