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Can a visual diagnosis be wrong?
So I'm only 18 years young and found out in October (age 17) that I had the herpes virus by a visual diagnosis. My first question is, how accurate is a visual diagnosis?
It was a good week before I went to the dr and was having painful urination and bad flu like symptoms. I even missed a day of school. Curious me went to a mirror and examined myself to find a tear that looked kind of like a long blister. Within that one week more developed and I had enough and went to a doctor. It's been 3 months now without another outbreak. I'm getting a blood test tomorrow but still wished to know the possibility of it actually being herpes.
It was a good week before I went to the dr and was having painful urination and bad flu like symptoms. I even missed a day of school. Curious me went to a mirror and examined myself to find a tear that looked kind of like a long blister. Within that one week more developed and I had enough and went to a doctor. It's been 3 months now without another outbreak. I'm getting a blood test tomorrow but still wished to know the possibility of it actually being herpes.
In that case you need to understand your HSV status. Obtain a blood test for IgG antibodies, type specific for HSV1 and HSV2.
The issue will be that a positive HSV1 outcome will not prove a genital infection. It would more likely indicate an oral infection. Do you get cold sores? Do either of your parents?
The issue will be that a positive HSV1 outcome will not prove a genital infection. It would more likely indicate an oral infection. Do you get cold sores? Do either of your parents?
Yes, a visual diagnosis is only 75% accurate at best. It must be confirmed with a swab. A blood test can be of some assistance.
What was your sexual history in the two weeks leading into that first blister?
What was your sexual history in the two weeks leading into that first blister?
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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.
