Dr Hook,
I’ve been trying to interpret various papers and studies on HSV 2 but have just got more anxious and worried, and would appreciate your advice.
My last partner had had HSV 2 for several years. We were together for 6 months but never ever had unprotected sex, I’ve heard that use of condoms is preventative but not 100%?
About 7/8 weeks after we last had sex I developed small white spots on the head of my penis. They were painless and went after about 4 days, seemed superficial and didn’t ulcerate, they cleared up before I could get to the sexual heath clinic. It was suggested that it was thrush, possibly from a recent sexual encounter. I was given cream which I used and there has been no recurrence since.
I have had IgG specific HSV 1& 2 tests at : 9 ½ weeks, 13 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks. They have been negative for both HSV 1 & 2.
I’m extremely worried, and am trying to move on, but have recurrent urethral itching, that feels like it sometimes radiates into my abdomen and perhaps occasionally down my leg. This started in late March and comes and goes, it has no pattern over 24hrs, sometimes I have a day without noticing it. I'm not sure if it's psychosomatic, it certainly seems worse if I worry on it. There is no dysuria.
Please let me know what you think of my symptoms, I am worried about this itching, and have tested for –ve for GU and Chlamydia, one physician suggested it may be a manifestation of my anxiety, but I’m not sure. Is recurrent urethral itching a good indicator of HSV 2?
How reliant can I be on these tests? I fully intend to have a test at the 6 month mark, but am unsure of whether this is 24 or 26 weeks as papers just say ‘6 months’. Also, is there a chance I could be carrying HSV 2 and not seroconvert? If so would a Western Blot test be better? I am extermely anxious, please advise me.
Thanks