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concern about herpes
Dear Doctor,
In college I had an STD screening through the University health system which included a blood test for HSV2. My results came back negative. After that test, I had condom protected sex once with an individual I was casually seeing. Over the past three years since this test, the only other sexual exposures I have had are as follows:
1. frottage with a man, oral sex, he lightly touched his penis to my vagina after which I asked him to stop. I asked him if he had any STDS, he said no
2. frottage with another man, no direct genital contact to my recollection
3. frottage with another man, no direct genital contact to my recollection
4. frottage with another man, no direct genital contact to my recollection
5. frottage with anther man, brief genital rubbing
6. frottage with anther man, his penis touched my butt briefly
Everyone of these partners are white, college educated males. After each of these instances I was on the lookout for any breakouts and did not see any. I am now having protected sex with another man, who says he has been tested, and I am concerned that any of the aforementioned actions could have put me at risk for genital herpes as I have not tested since college (my nurse advised me back then that typically they only test when symptoms are present). I do not want to put my current partner at risk and would feel terrible if I did. My current Gyno gave me mixed opinions on getting regularly tested for HSV, saying some advise it and others do not. I have never had an abnormal Pap and have never tested positive for chlamydia nor gonorrhea or HIV. I completed the Gardasil shots. I see one tiny pimple that my be a shaving irritation near the bottom of my vaginal opening. Do you think I should be concerned about having acquired HSV2 from any of the aforementioned activities? I'm very nervous that I could have been exposed, but from what I've read, frottage is low risk. What do you advise and thank you for your time and help.
In college I had an STD screening through the University health system which included a blood test for HSV2. My results came back negative. After that test, I had condom protected sex once with an individual I was casually seeing. Over the past three years since this test, the only other sexual exposures I have had are as follows:
1. frottage with a man, oral sex, he lightly touched his penis to my vagina after which I asked him to stop. I asked him if he had any STDS, he said no
2. frottage with another man, no direct genital contact to my recollection
3. frottage with another man, no direct genital contact to my recollection
4. frottage with another man, no direct genital contact to my recollection
5. frottage with anther man, brief genital rubbing
6. frottage with anther man, his penis touched my butt briefly
Everyone of these partners are white, college educated males. After each of these instances I was on the lookout for any breakouts and did not see any. I am now having protected sex with another man, who says he has been tested, and I am concerned that any of the aforementioned actions could have put me at risk for genital herpes as I have not tested since college (my nurse advised me back then that typically they only test when symptoms are present). I do not want to put my current partner at risk and would feel terrible if I did. My current Gyno gave me mixed opinions on getting regularly tested for HSV, saying some advise it and others do not. I have never had an abnormal Pap and have never tested positive for chlamydia nor gonorrhea or HIV. I completed the Gardasil shots. I see one tiny pimple that my be a shaving irritation near the bottom of my vaginal opening. Do you think I should be concerned about having acquired HSV2 from any of the aforementioned activities? I'm very nervous that I could have been exposed, but from what I've read, frottage is low risk. What do you advise and thank you for your time and help.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to our Forum. Congratualtions on your commitment to safe sex. Having received the HPV vaccine and discussing with your partners as to whether or not they have STDs, including herpes is a good idea.
Your risk of herpes is low. The negative antibody test you had during college is strong evidence that you did not have herpes at that time and your exposures since that time are relatively low risk. While any of them may have had genital herpes an not known it, your sexual activities were low risk for transmission and less than 1% of exposures to infected partners result in transmission of herpes. Had you acquired infection, I suspect you would have detected an outbreak..
At this time I would not worry. I note that you do not mention condom use in discussing your sexual activities and while it may not be applicable to frottage which, as you point out, is relatively low risk, for intercourse I would urge you to also use condoms.
Finally, in case you are thinking about it, at this point I see no reason for further blood tests for HSV antibodies.
I hope this helps. EWH
Your risk of herpes is low. The negative antibody test you had during college is strong evidence that you did not have herpes at that time and your exposures since that time are relatively low risk. While any of them may have had genital herpes an not known it, your sexual activities were low risk for transmission and less than 1% of exposures to infected partners result in transmission of herpes. Had you acquired infection, I suspect you would have detected an outbreak..
At this time I would not worry. I note that you do not mention condom use in discussing your sexual activities and while it may not be applicable to frottage which, as you point out, is relatively low risk, for intercourse I would urge you to also use condoms.
Finally, in case you are thinking about it, at this point I see no reason for further blood tests for HSV antibodies.
I hope this helps. EWH
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
There are many causes of symptoms such as these. Most of them are NOT STDs. The right thing to do is to have an examination. In the meantime however, given your history no STD, including herpes, is likely.
Please let us know what you doctor says tomorrow. EWH
Please let us know what you doctor says tomorrow. EWH
Dr. Hook,
I honestly have never had sex without a condom. A little over a week ago I had what I thought was a yeast infection, as there was itching, burning and whitish discharge. My nurse prescribed me Terconazole Vaginal Cream without an examination. The discharge and itching went away, however, a week later some burning remains. I am on the IUD and have been spotting/getting a lingering period for awhile. I am seeing my nurse tomorrow morning but am wondering if you could have any speculation as to what this may be. I am very scared as I understand that yeast infections and herpes can be confused. I have always been on the lookout for blister and ulcers and have never noticed any. Thank you for your time and help.
I honestly have never had sex without a condom. A little over a week ago I had what I thought was a yeast infection, as there was itching, burning and whitish discharge. My nurse prescribed me Terconazole Vaginal Cream without an examination. The discharge and itching went away, however, a week later some burning remains. I am on the IUD and have been spotting/getting a lingering period for awhile. I am seeing my nurse tomorrow morning but am wondering if you could have any speculation as to what this may be. I am very scared as I understand that yeast infections and herpes can be confused. I have always been on the lookout for blister and ulcers and have never noticed any. Thank you for your time and help.
Thank you for your time, advice and consideration-much appreciated.
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.
