Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

possible exposure

Thanks in advance for your advice-- this is a great resource.

This scenario sounds very much like a recent posting, but with enough differences that it seems worth posting--about a month ago I had unprotected sex with a female friend from out of town.  It's worth noting that both of us had not had sex for a while and there was some chafing from friction.  Two days later she called to say that she had experienced some discomfort and gone to her gynecologist.  Her doctor noticed two blisters inside her vagina, and took a culture for herpes, as the doctor thought it looked like a possibility-- in fact, it sounds like this doctor was already convinced, and a little cynical.  A few days passed, and the culture came back negative.  Both of us had herpes blood tests right away.  Mine came back negative for Igg HSV 1 and 2.  Hers came back negative for Igg HSV1 and 2, but her doctor also did Igm, which came back as a low positive.  Her doctor was convinced that she had herpes, based on the Igm result, and that it came from our interaction.  I have never tested positive for HSV before, and still haven't in this case.  

A little more than a week after we had sex, I began to develop discomfort in the end of my urethra.  This has been persistent in this time frame, but it generally is not very acute.  It seems to be more so when I have even a little alcohol.  It does not burn with urination, but can increase the sense of urgency. It is irritating enough to have caused a few sleepless nights and lots of worry. I have been urinating frequently, but not in small amounts-- I'm trying to drink a lot of water, yet I've been surprised at the amount I have produced. I have not had any other STD-suggestive symptoms, but there has been some slight abdominal tenderness.  I had a urinalysis test when I had my initial blood test, and everything came back negative.  I am concerned that as a result of having taken antibiotic within a couple of weeks of the test, the possibility of proper identification of any problems present might have been compromised.  I was back at the doctor this week and did two urine samples-- for another urinalysis test and one for a check for white blood cells.  I don't have results for these yet.  

My questions-- how long after antibiotic use can these kinds of urine tests be considered accurate?  Are these tests accurate enough or should I see a urologist for more specific tests?  In your opinion, is there any possibility of herpes (recurrent, on her part?) from my symptom of three or so weeks of discomfort in the end of the urethra, with varying degrees of severity?  I have had no other physically visible manifestations of anything like herpes. Does this sound like urethritis? Any insight would be appreciated-- my anxiety about this is growing, and I know that can exacerbate perception of a problem, but it does seem like there is something there.

Thanks
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Berger, I've had the same symptoms from genital apposition.  I don't think the symptoms were in my head.  Bacterial tests came back negative, but antibiotics eliminated the discomfort and pressure in the genital area.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just wanted to chime in here with regard to your symptoms.  I recently had a definite "apposition" exposure to HSV-2 and got the all clear on blood test after 60 days Post exposure and by allowing myself to accept my risk exposure as being low and having three differnet doctors tell me I'm "OK"!!! The symptoms that were freaking me out to even make me think something was wrong was the irritated ureathra (meatus), frequent urination (but no burning sensation) and general discomfort in the penile/genital region.  

After much research, I found that my symptoms were classic for Category 3 Prostititis.  95% of all prostititis cases are category 3, with no real idea as to what causes it (my theory in my case is that I sit too much at my job, since when I move around during the day the symptoms seemed to go away until I sat back down for an extended period of time). I went to a Urologist and he confirmed my research after giving me a physical exam.

After my exposure I was freaked out and went to several forums and saw several places where men are experiencing the same symptoms and all are freaked out since their first thought is an STD.  It is also easy to freak out since every time you "Google" any sort of symptom about your penis or genitalia he get STD sites!

Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your advice.  This is the case, so hopefully I can move on to other potential issues, or none at all.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Depends on whether or when you or your partner had sex with other people recently.  If "a while" means neither of you has had other partners in the past 3 months, you can rely on your mutually negative blood test results.  But if there have been more recent partners, either or both of you could have a new infection and blood tests just need more time to become positive.

HHH, MD
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks-- to clarify, she tested negative for Igg in a blood test, as did I.  Any change in thoughts on this?
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
First, you doc is simply wrong about his or her interpretion of the HSV IgM result.  Your tests do not indicate herpes.  It's possible your partner has it, based on the lesions the doc observed.  But additional testing (without IgM) is necessary to know.

I'm not sure I understand the timing of your antibiotic treatment.  It seems it was a few days before youre urethral pain started.  If so, it could not have affected the test result; such interference would occur only if the antibiotic were taken after onset of infection.  Also, the particular antibiotic makes a difference.

So it seems possible your urethral discomfort is due to urethritis (NGU, gonorrhea, etc) or conceivably to herpes.  But if urethritis, you should also have a noticeable abnormal discharge from the penis.  Don't take any more antibiotics until it is sorted out.  Wait for the current test results and get treated accordingly.  If those tests are negative, just sit tight, with the expectation the symptoms will fade with no harm done.

If it persists, regardless of test results, return to your doc (or find another one who might be more knowledgeable about STDs).  Ideally, you and your partner should go together to the same provider for evaluation for all common STDs.  However, a urologist probably isn't the best choice.  Although some urologists are up to speed on STDs, in general they are not as knowledgeable about STDs or herpes as the average family medicine doc. Best bet of all is to visit your local health department STD clinic, or a family planning clinic like Planned Parenthood.

Good luck--  HHH, MD
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum

Popular Resources
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.