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Possibility of Herpes and need for testing
Sex with escort occurred two weeks ago to the day of a potential herpes outbreak. Had sex with sex worker, fully protected, however the condom broke and I pulled out immediately thereafter. Proceeded to continue sex with a new condom. Now two weeks to the day I have a small bump on the shaft of my penis 2/3 away from the tip of the penis. Skin was possibly a little red where the bump was but not really noticeable. At first I thought it was a pimple and tried to pop it. Had no success and nothing really came out except for more irritation on my skin around the bump where I tried to pop what I believe may be a pimple. Still believe it may be a pimple by how the bump feels but due to the recent exposure I am worried it is herpes 2. Questions:
1. Possiblity that this may be herpes with the limited exposure I had and the description of the bump; and
2. What type of testing is reccomended and/or is it too soon (i.e., 2 weeks after exposure) to do testing and should I wait until 4 weeks or longer.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
1. Possiblity that this may be herpes with the limited exposure I had and the description of the bump; and
2. What type of testing is reccomended and/or is it too soon (i.e., 2 weeks after exposure) to do testing and should I wait until 4 weeks or longer.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Maybe its a wart?
Thanks for your assistance. I will update my results accordingly.
Regards
Regards
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The sort of lesion you describe does not seem like herpes, which generally does not cause such a firm bump that cannot be popped. Also, although a single lesion is possible, initial genital herpes typically causes multiple lesions.
So herpes seems unlikely, but there is no way to know without clinical evaluation and lab testing. Direct testing of a lesion for HSV by culture or the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most definitive diagnostic method. If the lesion becomes an overt pimple, i.e. a white head with expressible pus, or if it turns into an open sore, see a health care provider immediately for testing. If it doesn't progress that way and just heals up, the back-up approach is to have a type-specific blood test for HSV. Four weeks would be too soon; such tests take at least 6 weeks and often up to 3 months to become positive.
There is a much lesser chance, but not zero, that your lesion is due to syphilis. As for herpes, get immediately professional evaluation (preferably from a public health STD clinic) if the lesion develops into an open sore. Otherwise, have a syphilis blood test along with the HSV test in a few weeks.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
So herpes seems unlikely, but there is no way to know without clinical evaluation and lab testing. Direct testing of a lesion for HSV by culture or the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the most definitive diagnostic method. If the lesion becomes an overt pimple, i.e. a white head with expressible pus, or if it turns into an open sore, see a health care provider immediately for testing. If it doesn't progress that way and just heals up, the back-up approach is to have a type-specific blood test for HSV. Four weeks would be too soon; such tests take at least 6 weeks and often up to 3 months to become positive.
There is a much lesser chance, but not zero, that your lesion is due to syphilis. As for herpes, get immediately professional evaluation (preferably from a public health STD clinic) if the lesion develops into an open sore. Otherwise, have a syphilis blood test along with the HSV test in a few weeks.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
