HSV 2 Testing and Accuracy

Previously posted on 3/14/07....had a herpes test at 4 1/2 wks following sexual encounter with man who had herpes and it was + for HSV1 and - for HSV2.  Should I be concerned that this is a false negative??  Was this too early to be tested??  Is it possible that I could I still have herpes? I previously stated that I had a very bad symptoms that seemed like a yeast infection....which was confirmed by planned parenthood with visual diagnosis at two different times a wk and a half apart claims she saw no visible signs of herpes.  No wet mount was taken...was prescribed two doses of diflucan and took those....however, it did stop most of the symptoms but after my menustral cycle there was still a discharge that was white but it was more so milky this time around vs. the thick consistency.  Went to my ob/gyn because I was still having a burning sensation that was not consistent...would come and go over a period of 3 days here and there but she saw no visible signs of herpes and took a culture of the discharge (slight yeast).  Thought it was due to using powders and deodorant soaps and vigorous scrubbing....dermatitis???  However, I am concerned that this one time exposure to herpes despite using a condom has left me with the disease also.  Why am I still have these symptoms which was thought to be attributed to the yeast infection?  I may be psychosomatic about this whole thing and it probably doesn't help that I examine and pull at my vagina all day.  The doctor didn't remind retesting?  What is your take on this matter?  

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I told you last time I didn't think you caught herpes and I still don't, and really don't think you even needed HSV-2 testing.  Your current symptoms are not herpes; herpes symptoms ALWAYS clear up in a couple of weeks.  (They can recur, but each episode clears up totally between outbreaks.)  When a person believes his or her symptoms are partly psychosomatic, almost always they are right.

It takes up to 3 months for HSV-2 tests to become positive.  If you insist on being frightened about herpes despite overwhemling evidence against it, it's fine with me if you have another test in a couple of months.  But you can be certain the result will be negative.  You don't have herpes.

Follow up with your own provider.  I cannot help further.  Also, no ongoing discussion on this forum.  If you want feedback from others, please take it over to the patient-to-patient STD support forum.

HHH, MD