Herpes exposure?

[brannan84]

I received unprotected oral sex (M2M) in April of this year that lasted for about 2 minutes.  I have not had any unprotected sex before that or since.  It was, sadly, a momentary lapse in judgment.  I experienced no symptoms at all.  In June of this year I donated a semen sample and after ejaculation used the rim to sort of get the rest of it into the cup and I remember that the rim was very sharp and I immediately drew back.  Nothing happened for 2 weeks until I noticed the very tip of my penis was swollen and raw.  I figured it was due to the cup maybe scraping the tip so I applied some cream and it went way after a few days.  Then, about 2 weeks ago, I masturbated two nights in a row and the second night the tip became inflammed again and was very sensitive.  I applied Monistat cream and it helped tremendously.  It is now 2 weeks later and it's very much improved, but still there.  I've applied vaseline because I've read that it's sometimes better to use than a hydrocortisone cream, but I haven't used anything for the past 2 or so days.  I have a long history of cold sores.  I have had no other symptoms and I have never seen a cluster or lesions or sores or blisters.  I've also read that herpes is unlikely to infect the tip of the penis.  All of this said, I just have a lot of anxiety and want to know what your thoughts are.  I think if the initial problem was the only one I wouldn't worry, but having a recurrence is what's brought on the anxiety.  Is it possible that the problem from the scrape isn't resolved and I re-irritated it?  I know penis skin is highly sensitive.  

I guess my question is what is the likelihood that this is herpes and not just irritation or abrasion?  Is it possible to have been infected in April and not have any symptoms until July?  I've read (probably too much) that a lot of things are confused with herpes and I just want to have professional advice.  Thanks.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I definitely do agree.  Good decision to put this behind you.  I think you've done all you can and now it is time to relax.

Terri

[brannan84]

thanks very much for the information.  

I switched underwear, wore looser pants and put some hydrocortisone cream on and today I don't even notice it - when just yesterday it was a little irritated and red.  

I feel like it must just be taking a while to heal and the constant rubbing of underwear all day prevented healing.  

I had not had sexual contact for several years prior to the event in April so wouldn't you say that any STDs would have surfaced before 2 months had lapsed if I had been infected in April?

I'm ready to put this behind me as I have investigated all possible STDs and have found that of the ones contracted as a receiver of oral sex (gon, herpes, ngu) I really do not fit any symptoms and the time lapsed was far too long.  wouldn't you agree?

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I can't really speak to how likely it is that you already have genital herpes from some previous encounter or exposure.

However, since you have a history of cold sores, you already most certainly have HSV 1 infection, the most common cause of recurrent cold sores.   This means that you would be extremely unlikely to get HSV 1, the most likely thing this person who gave you oral sex would have orally, in a new location.  In other words, you already have HSV 1 so you won't get it in a new place on your body.

In other words, I have no concerns that you contracted something new from this partner and encounter.  I don't really know what you might have had already in the way of genital herpes.  Nothing you have described, however, sounds like genital herpes to me.

Sorry about the delay in answering you.  I didn't see two posts from the 24th until today.

Terri

[brannan84]

bumping up...can you please respond?  thanks!