Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

HSV-2 Worry

Dr. - I am a 24 white male.  I had an encounter with a previous partner again on Feb. 16.  We had sex in early Dec. 08.  We did engage in partly unprotected then but I asked her if she was clean and she claimed she was.  She is 21 and was in a 3 year relationship with her ex prior.  This latest encounter was protected but then for probably 5 or 8 minutes unprotected.  Anyway everything was fine except about 5 or 6 six days later I noticed what seemed like a small red bump at the base of my penis when erect.  When not erect the area is up more in my pubic area.  This scared me very much and I started to move my pubic hair so I could see it better.  My pubic hair needs to be trimmed - it is very long - do not know if this really matters?  I think this irritated the hair follicules and it got more red.  Anyway, as of today the area is still red but no scabbing of any kind and there is no bump.  I did ask her again if I should be worried about getting something and she said "I did not need to worry about it I am fine."  I don't know if I should ask her has she ever been tested or not?  Don't really know what to do from here?  How long should I wait to go and get tested for HSV-2?  Should I be alarmed about this?  Thank you.  
5 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
As I suggested above, I recommend against testing for herpes.  See a personal health care provider about this problem and then follow his or her advice.  If you insist on HSV testing and your provider agrees to do it, get tested at 3-4 months after the exposure.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dr. - Talked to my partner from that night and we talked some things over.  She claims she does not have anything.  Visits with a gyno every 6 months and donates blood every 2 months.  I know donating blood does not test for herpes correct?  I know it does for HIV.  Anyway, I do realize I think I am overreacting a bit about this.  She claims she was not offended and that I do have a right to know.  If I do want to get tested just to ease my mind and get over it, how many weeks should I wait to go?  Thanks again for your time.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
To the person who attempted to ask a new question on this thread:  New questions are accepted only through the Post a Question link at the top of the page.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Obviously there is a typo in one statement above:  "...it should NOT be such a frightening prospect."
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You asked a nearly identical question 5 weeks ago, except this time the bump came on 6 days later rather than 1-2 days.  From your description, both of the lesion and your partner's reassurance, herpes is very unlikely.  Folliculitis sounds like a good bet once again.  Initial herpes in men almost always involves the penis itself, and with multiple blisters/sores, and rarely occurs in hairy areas.

"What to do from here?"  If this reassurance doesn't calm your fears about herpes, see a health care provider promptly, before the lesion heals.  If that exam confirms folliculitis, no further evaluation is needed.  If it suggests herpes after all, then follow that provider's advice about further testing.  But I doubt you need HSV testing at all.

You're obviously hyper-concerned about herpes.  You're going to need to get away from the habit of seeking advice about it for every little bump you notice in the genital area.  And please do some research to gain a proper perspective about genital herpes and HSV-2.  Nobody wants to get it, but most cases are mild or even asymptomatic and, properly managed, it should be such a frightening prospect.

As a side note, I cannot imagine that your pubic hair is so long it "needs to be trimmed".  Men never trimmed their pubic hair until the past few years; throughout human history no man ever had such long pubic hair that it was necessary and I doubt you are the first.  That's a pretty ridiculous notion and, as you seem to be learning, shaving the pubic area often results in folliculitis.  That's because the pubic area, being warm and somewhat moist most of the time, typically is heavily colonized with skin bacteria like staph, strep, etc.

Bottom line:  Don't worry so much about herpes, but see a provider and follow his or her advice if you remain concerned about it.

I hope this helps. Best wishes--  HHH, MD

PS:  Note the MedHelp policy about a maximum of 2 questions every 6 months in the moderated forums (see Terms and Conditions).
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum

Popular Resources
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.