Is this Herpes

[jxzq]

Iam 24 years old.  I have had only 2 partners in the last 2 years. I have been with my current partner for 11 months(will cal her R). My previous partner was 7 to 8 month prior to R.(will cal her S). I already believe that I have transmitted HPV from my previous partner S.  Now even my current partner R is know being treated for HPV as well as I. Now I am wondering If S also has Herpes. My current partner R did have a STD test before we started dating ss well as my last partner 3 years ago. So I do not believe they had or have herpes. In the last week I have noticed a red area around the right and center side of my testicals. At first it was red and little itchy, it looks a lot like a rash. There are small little scores that look like the skin has been scrathed off and it has been there for a week today. This is on my testicals, not penis. Does this sound like herpes our poor hygean? I thought herpes developed on the penis and anus for men. Could this be my first major outbreak?, eventhough I have not had sex with S in over 18 months. I understand that the first outbreak is the worst, but would I have not already had a major outbreak within the last 18 months? I have not had any symptoms of herpes before now. Neither has my current partner R for the last 11 months we have been togther having unprotected sex. I do not know for sure if S has herpes, I just believe if I have transmitted herpes it came from S.  What do you think?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your symptoms do not sound at all like herpes.  Although recurrent herpes can involve the scrotum, it is relatively uncommon.  More important, a patchy, red, itchy rash is not a typical herpes symptom; jock itch or some other dermatitis is more likely.  If it persists, see a health care provider; or you might try an over-the-counter antifungal preparation; look in the pharmacy shelves with the athletes foot medications.  If you like, you can be tested for herpes simplex virus infection, but even if positive for HSV-2 (the usual genital type), it will not necessarily explain your current symptoms.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[gissy21]

Sorry for posting here, but I really have no money to post....

Ok, I recieved a copy of my herpes test results and they are as follows:

Test name: HSV 1/2 ICC herpeselect, type specific AB

Herpes simplex type 1 >5.00 H
herpes simplex type 2 0.06

Labatory: quest diagnostics


Now, it shows in the chart that 5.00 is fairly high. My confusion is that I have no sores in my mouth, but genitally I have had the rash and cuts for about 2 months now.I am also wondering if the score of 5.00 means that I have had this for quite a while or if it is recent. Anybody who understands this better than i do, please explain.I was also wondering what other etsts can I do to try to figure out what is going on down there? Im pretty desperate because i have no health insurance and I have tried to look for clinics around Miami and they are all VERY expensive. Please help! Thanks

[dandeelyon]

Just as an FYI, I posted links to sliding scale clinics in the Miami area on the post you have in the Women's section.  They will see you regardless of your ability to pay.

Good luck

[aloha37]

Your test results tell you that you do have type 1 herpes (oral) but you do not have type 2 (genital).  However, you can get type 1 oral on your genitals so it is worth having a doctor check out the cuts.  The only way to know for sure if they are from type 1 herpes is to have a doctor swab them for a culture in the first few days of your next outbreak.

If you already know you get cold sores on your face, that would explain the positive herpes type 1 result and means you probably do not have it on your genitals.  

Your test does not tell you if these cuts and/or rashes are herpes.  You can have herpes without knowing it, either orally or whatever.  Find a free clinic or health department.  Hope this helps.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Your blood test results are typical:  most people with positive HSV-1 results (about half the population) have no recollection of cold sores or other symptoms of oral herpes.  Recurrent genital herpes due to HSV-1 is uncommon.

You should be able to find a free clinic in Miami.  Call the health department.

HHH, MD

[need to get this out of my head]

question not for the doctor just for anyone who might know the answer..i think somewhere i read that you can get a test that shows when you were exposed. if anyone knows if this is true it would be great for an answer thanks.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The tests that show a person is "exposed" are the same ones that shows s/he is infected.  There is no such thing as a herpes test that measures exposure but not infection.

HHH, MD

[need to get this out of my head]

yeah so if it were to say that i was exposed to it does it say when. because lets say it was 10 years ago then i would be able to say i wasnt exposed genitally that is why i ask. thank you i know you dont like answering questions without a new thread.

[Unhappycamper]

Hi

[Tammy girl]

Hi everyone.

When I contracted genital herpes but with simplex 1 it appeared in less than 2 days. It was spread from my partner at that time, unknown to me that he had the virus let alone it be active on him to pass to me. I only get it on the outside of my genitals and have had 3 outbreaks in 4 yrs of having been diagnosed. I was so clueless about STD's 4 yrs ago but now I like to think I understand most the facts.
To anyone who has this virus and knows the pain of the herpes blisters when they have an outbreak, it just amazes me that people can still acually have sex at that time.I know I certainly can't, let alone want to!
Anyway one good thing came out of it all, it made me grow up and stop sleeping around with other people. However I now have Endometriosis and recently had a borderline smear test. I just wish sometimes I could cut out my genitals and get new ones.
I hope you all have learnt something from your experience of having an STD but most of all I wish non of us had one.
All the best for 2006

[gordi]

hi
I read that you can transmit herpes virus to someone by kissing if you have genital hepes alone. Is this true.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

No.

[7077]

A related discussion, What is this was started.