need to get retested?

[anxiety1342]

Two months ago I was with a man and had full genital contact but no sex.  He had recent STI tests from his Dr.'s office and assumed HSV was included.  I've since learned many doctors don't test for HSV and he won't make the call and ask.

Within a few days I developed a yeast infection.  I hadn't had sex for 4 years so this didn't worry me.  I also developed one "spot" on my bikini line that popped quickly and did not scab but was filled with a clear liquid.  Looked nothing like pictures online but not like a pimple either since it wasn't white.  Got nervous - constantly worried.  Then had another yeast infection which I over treated, caused soreness by constantly checking myself, and had extensive discharge.  I ultimately went to doctor hysterical worried about herpes.

No visible signs of outbreak internally according to doctor.  He said I was literally making myself sick.  Tested negative at 5 weeks for HSV2.  No other STI or yeast infection.  I calmed down and discharge went away.  

Now that some time has passed, I'm wondering if I need to get tested again?  Was 5 weeks enough time for HSV results?  If 'yeast infections' were caused by herpes, my doctor would have seen sores, yes?  Does one weird pimple/spot sound like an initial outbreak?  

Would appreciate your opinion.  

[HowardH]

The oral area (mouth, throat) is less susceptible to HSV2, so oral exposure to the virus is less likely to result in infection than genital exposure. And yes, if you caught HSV2 orally, you would expect sores in and around the mouth.

[anxiety1342]

I'm sorry to be so ignorant (and I've actually tried to educate myself!).  I thought  herpes was spread through direct skin on skin contact?  You mention oral sex - are you talking about HSV2 and is that giving or receiving?  Is receiving more a risk of HSV1?  And giving a risk of HSV2 but orally - if so, wouldn't you know and have sores in the mouth?  

I'm not specifically asking b/c of a fear but truly trying to educate myself!  

It sounds like being tested again is important b/c we both gave and received oral sex. I just want to understand risks in future encounters too.  Thanks again.  

[HowardH]

The risk of STDs is low from genital contact without penetration. Herpes can be transmitted, but it's rare; the vast majority of people with new genital herpes have had intercourse with penetration or received oral sex.

Your symptoms don't sound much like herpes. Lots of websites etc say herpes can be confused with yeast and vice versa. But actually it's quite uncommon. The large majority of yeast infections are just that -- yeast not herpes. Initial herpes could caus just a single pimple-like lesion, but that's unusual. Your doctor is correct that multiple painful sores is the rule.

Your 5 week blood test result is reassuring, probably around 60-80% reliable, but not conclusive. For a definitive result you'll need another test 3-4 months after the event.

Or try to talk sense into the clod you were involved with. If he isn't hiding something, he should be willing to ask his doctor if HSV testing was done and the result if it was.