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STDs (Expert Forum)
Had Herpes Culture - Nothing Growing But...
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
Welcome to the STD Forum, which is intended only for questions and support pertaining to sexually transmitted diseases other than HIV/AIDS, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus, genital warts, trichomonas, other vaginal infections, nongonoccal urethritis (NGU), cervicitis, molluscum contagiosum, chancroid, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
Had Herpes Culture - Nothing Growing But...
by Dentist, Apr 24, 2005 12:00AM
Had a herpes culture done while I was having some kind of vaginal symptoms. The culture came back with nothing growing. Had a blood test weeks later and came back negative for HSV1 and positive (98) for HSV2. From time to time I do have two to three small lesions on my vagina. I manage to stop them by using DMSO. I have frequent burning pain, stinging and pricking legs. Many years ago I used to have one lesion appear over my eye - stayed for about two weeks then went away. I know HSV2 is sexually transmitted. I'm not sure if I do have it. My partner does not have herpes.
Thank you for your response.
Thank you for your response.
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Apr 24, 2005 12:00AM
, Apr 24, 2005 12:00AM
Recurrent "small lesions on my vagina" certainly suggest genital herpes, but there is no way to be sure from the test results you describe. A culture can be negative, especially if lesions aren't present at the time or are healing. See numerous string on this forum about herpes blood tests and the ones that are are not reliable; you had the wrong kind (the result "98" means nothing with the proper test). You may or may not have HSV-2, but that blood test result is not interpretable. You can't know whether or not your partner has herpes unless he has also had the right kind of blood test.
Please read up on herpes. You can start with the link "STD Quick Facts and Articles" on the STD Forum home page.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Please read up on herpes. You can start with the link "STD Quick Facts and Articles" on the STD Forum home page.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
