Herpes Testing Question

[psgirl]

I had unprotected sex on Dec. 19th/07 and then protected sex with the same partner on Feb.4th/08. I am concerned about STDs. I have been having some burning with urination and went to the doctor. The doctor said it is not herpes and nothing to be concerned about. I have no sores, or lesions and have tested negative for all other stds. I have vaginal soreness and burning with urination. I was tested for herpes antibodies for HSV 1 and HSV 2 on Mar.12/08. It came back negative for both. Do I need to be tested again???? Were my results accurate?? If I do need to test again how long should I wait???


Thank You.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

There seem to be two issues here, whether or not you might have herpes and why you have burning on urination and vaginal soreness.

With regard to the herpes question, you have your answer- you do  not have herpes.  You have negative blood tests and non lesions or other signs of infection.  You do not have genital herpes and do not need further testing.

As for the urinary frequency and vaginal soreness, there are many potential causes with STDs, non-STD genital infections, and urinary tract infections leading the list.  You say you were tested for STDs and the tests were negative.  What tests were performed? - gonorrhea and chlamydia I suspect but what about trichomoniasis?  Bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections (even without discharge) can cause the sorts of symptoms you describe, as can urinary tract infections.  Were you checked for all of these?  More information is needed.  To sort this out, you need to work through this with your health care provider.

Hope this helps.   EWH

[psgirl]

I forgot to mention that I was tested with the Herpeselect test and the IgM hsv1/2 combination.

[psgirl]

Hello Doctor,

Thank You for getting back to me. I was tested for gonherrea and chlymadia, trichomoniasis, syphilis, HIV and herpes. I was also tested for yeast,UTI and bacterial vagnitis. All were negative. I can see especially on the inside of my vaginal wall is very swollen and irritated. No lesions but it looks very swollen and inflamed.Just spreading the skin apart to look at my vagina wall leaves my vagina burning and irritated in that area. That is what gave me the anxiety about herpes. The doctor has told me to change my laundry detergent, soap etc..to see if that helps but I have no relief. It has been weeks. When I urinate it seems more superfical like the stinging and burning is not coming from the urethra.
I am assuming if this was herpes that I would probably know that I had it??? I would have painful blisters????? I for some reason seem to be focused on this because I can't seem to find an explanation for what is going on.

Thanks Again.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Thanks for the additional information. what you describe does not sound like herpes, but is far more consistent with some sort of local reaction.  Soaps are sometimes incriminated, as are other feminine hygiene products, scented tampons, etc.  Systemic medications can do this as well- is there anything new that you have started to take at about the time this began?  

I think it sounds like your doctor is doing just the same sorts of things I would be.  EWH

[psgirl]

Nothing new that I started taking and other than the odd time I  take a benadryll or motrin for something, I don't take any other medications. But thank you for reassuring me about herpes.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

As I said, it sounds like your doctor is doing all the right things.  Please let us know how things turn out. Good luck.  EWH