Herpes

[scared83]

Dear Doc,

In December I had slept with a street worker in New York. We had vaginal sex for about a minute and she gave me oral sex for maybe 5 minutes. For both acts, I used a condom.

In June, I started to have pain throughout my penis. I then had shooting pain down my leg but it was only for a few seconds at a time and maybe twice a day. I also had a shooting pain in my head but for only a few seconds then it would go away. A few weeks later, the rim of my penis (on head) was very deep red (and the rim was obviously covered by the condom). Not the entire rim but only a portion of it. My first thought was herpes. There are no blisters yet (and it's now been 12 days since the redness started), just a redness. I thought maybe it was jock itch or a fungal infection so I've been applying Lamasil. But that hasn't made it any better.  

It doesn't itch all of the time, only sometimes. I still have pain throughout my shaft but it's minimal and only happens sometimes.

I took an igg blood test two days ago and I am awaiting the results. But i've really broken down the last few days. I don't think I can bare to hear that I have genital herpes.

I just need some insight. Your opinion whether you think this is herpes. I have all the text book symptoms. I'm so scared.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I don't know what 'textbook symptoms' you read, but your symptoms don't sound at all like herpes to me.  And a 6 month delay from exposure to first symptoms is also strong evidence against herpes.  You can expect a negative blood test result - or, if it happens to be positive, it will not mean that herpes explains your symptoms.  Follow up with your own provider if your symptoms persist or continue to concern you.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[scared83]

Doc-

The "textbook" symptoms I talk of are the shooting pain down the leg and feet AND the odd headaches. I've never experienced anything like that before.

Also- how effective are condoms in preveting against herpes? I've read different views and can't seem to get a definitive answer. Some medical professionals (and lab tests) say that herpes does not pass through a condom (or the risk is very low) but many people with Genital Herpes have told me that they got it while properly wearing a condom. I know I should listen to the medical professionals but I doubt all those people are lying to me...

Thanks, that's the last question.

Have a great week.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The leg pain could be a symptom of herpes if it occurs in combination with typical genital sores.  By itself it does not hint at herpes.  Neither do headaches.

Condoms are highly protective against herpes, but not perfect.  People die in auto accidents despite wearing seat belts.  That doesn't mean seat belts don't protect against death and injury.  And of course the exceptions to the rule are always more vocal in personal testimony about any health issue.  Disregard the nonsense you have been reading.

[scared83]

Doc-

Should I be afraid? Do you think my chances of Herpes from this one incident is low or high? I know it's arbitrary but your opinion means a lot to me.

[1990 Bob 2007]

your problems seem alot like mine i had sex 6 months ago (first and only time so far but i did not wear a condom) and then about 2 weeks ago i had burning at the top of my penis. when i checked it out it was really red. I started to freak out and wash that area in the shower for 15 mins a day, every day now it looks alot better but it still there and from time to time there is a slight burn

[scared83]

How's everything going with you? Have you been tested? I get my results tommorow. I'll let you know the results but I highly doubt they're going to be good. Hopefully If I come back positive, you won't.

[1990 Bob 2007]

       well dude you did everything right you used a condom and everything. i dont see how you could have any thing. I was the screw up not useing the condom this girl was the first girl i ever had sex with and i she looked like a clean girl and all, im just worryed if she gave it to me, or i gave it to her.                                                                                                                   another theory i have is i sometimes got bad jock itch back a few years ago because my skin is sentive and maybe it could be a severe virison of that but i dont know, and im scared to get a std test because im only 17 and if i come up postive i dont think my parents will ever look at me the same. i dont even know if i could live with myself if i had a really bad one like aids or hiv...

[stillHurting]

Did anyone get back their results?

[scared83]

Still waiting, they told me to call back at 5. I'm going crazy.

[1990 Bob 2007]

i just got my results from a ugent care, they said its mostly likely yest infection and i think that is right because i read the box for the clotrimazole cream and it has all of my systomons so i realy think it is yeast infecteion and not herpes or another fourm of std....if i where you i wouls try the clotrimazole cream and polysporin. its all over the counter too....best of luck to all of you.