Unsure About HSV Status

[DesperatelyConcerned]

Hi Terri,

I was diagnosed with HSV 4 mo. ago. This diagnosis was based on an IgM test which I now understand is not useful. Unfortunately, when a doctor tells you with something like that it’s very difficult to shake off.  They’re supposed to be the experts after all. What’s even more troubling is the fact that my symptoms continue and are still undiagnosed. I’ve had 4 negative IgG tests done. The last test was done 3 months after I had unprotected sex and the symptoms began. I’ve had no sores or blisters of any kind. My symptoms consist of light urethra discomfort and slight redness (pink) around my urethra opening that extends to one side of my penis head. I’ve had some ejaculation problems too, but I understand that it’s probably just anxiety causing that. The only reason I still suspect HSV is because it seems to be recurrent and the redness occurs in the same area. The redness is painless and seems to persist for a very short time; less than a day. In fact, it usually lasts just a few hours as far as I can notice. The urethra discomfort can last a bit longer.

I’ve posted on a few of the other expert forums about this. Dr. Hook is quite adamant that I don’t have HSV. I’ve seen numerous doctors (including a urologist) and have had many tests done that have all come back unequivocally negative. I’m an educated 29 yr old male. I’ve never experienced anything like this before so I’m pretty sure that it is not normal.

I’m trying to move on with my life but this experience has been very traumatic for me. I think that not knowing is worse than actually having it. If you know you have it, you can accept it and adjust. I’m also afraid to have sex because I don’t want to risk transmitting it if by some chance I’m infected.

My question is can a person infected with HSV have the symptoms I described and still have multiple negative tests done over an appropriate time period? Have you ever encountered this in your career?

Thanks Terri

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I understand that that IgM test really threw you off, didn't it?
However, I agree strongly with Dr. Hook that you don't have herpes.  Your test results confirm this and you just don't have any symptoms consistent with herpes.  I also agree that continuing to test is not useful.  At this point, it sounds like you might starting to obsess a bit about this.  I would try to nip this in the bud, or you could spend a long time trying to get past this.  If you are unable to stop worry about this, despite negative tests and no symptoms consistent with herpes, I think you should seek some counseling to get past this.  

Terri

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm glad you found this and Dr. Hook's site useful.  I think you've done everything appropriate, really.

Terri

[DesperatelyConcerned]

Thank you Terri...

I really appreciate you and the others input. And you're absolutely right about the IgM thing. The symptoms I had initially didn't warrant a herpes test in the first place. This was a prime example of why that test should not be used. I leads to nothing but months of unnecessary anxiety. I've also found that the internet can be good and very, very bad when it comes to finding information on this kind of stuff. Lots of misinformation out there. This site is a life saver though. I'm almost ready to move past this. I just want to be absolutely certain that I am taking all of the necessary steps to know my status. This whole thing has been a major wake up for me.

Thank you