Herpes possibility?

[WorriedIdiot670]

I very stupidly had unprotected vaginal intercourse with a stripper in Las Vegas 10 days ago.  Starting at about two days afterward, I’ve had a tingling sensation at the tip of my penis (urethral opening).  It is not necessarily extremely painful, just more of an annoyance more than anything.  When I urinate, there is no pain or much burning to speak of.  I saw a doctor at 4 days following the exposure, he said nothing looked out of the ordinary.  I also had a test for Chlamydia and that game back negative.  I also corresponded with a medical expert on this website and he said he was pretty certain I did not have herpes but I am just very worried that I do, even though there is nothing visually that tells me that I do.  I don’t feel I have swollen lymph nodes, no fever, or anything like that.


Would I have more clear symptoms at 10 days if I did contract anything?  Are my anxieties amplifying my tingling sensation that is bothering me?  Is it possible that a lubricant that was used is irritating my urethral opening?
Thank you for your reply.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

The final testing should occur 4 months after a potentially risky exposure.

Terri

[WorriedIdiot670]

I know the rules here - but I'd just like to post once more.  Just wanted to let you know the herpes test (IgG) I had came back negative.  The tingling sensation has somewhat diminished, now my penis just seems to be sore, but not necessarily painful.  Just bothersome.  Also, I still have had no discharge.  Any final thoughts?  When can I test for herpes for this most recent encounter, or is it even worth it?  I thank you for your advice and concern.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

You could have had herpes for a long time, yes.  I'm glad you are feeling better now, and it will be at least good to know your herpes status before this encounter.

Terri

[tryingtostaycalm290]

Yes, I had partners prior to that - but this was 10 years ago.  Is it possible I have had this for over 10 years and not known it?  The tingling has actually gone down by quite a bit, which is a relief.  I am feeling much better about things, although I did get tested this morning.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

Testing now would not reveal new infection, but it would reveal infection that you had previously and didn't know about.

You were in a long term relationship, but did you have other partners prior to that?

I don't think the tingling alone is significant or worrisome.

Terri

[WorriedIdiot670]

Thank you for your reply.  The doxycycline really hasn't helped a whole lot with the tingling sensation.  And I think anxiety is magnifying it, however, I never felt this tingling before my recent exposure 10 days ago.

I've never been tested through herpes, and I am definitely going to do so.

Are there any symptoms that would lead you to believe it could be herpes?
Is it too recent to get tested since my last exposure was 10 days?  Would tests reveal anything?
I've been in a monagamous relationship for a long time and experienced no issues, which is why I was never tested.

[Terri Warren, RN, Adult Nurse Practitioner]

I'm glad you got treated with an antibiotic.  There are infections other than chlamydia that can cause these mild symptoms, but they are treatable with antibiotics like Doxy.  This sounds nothing at all like herpes.  I think your anxieties ARE magnifying symptoms that you might be having, yes.  When there is a risky exposure, people begin to experience symptoms that otherwise  might be completely disregarded, and I think this might be you.  Have you ever in your life been tested for herpes through a blood antibody test?  If not, you might want to consider that.  Although I doubt very much that you contracted herpes at this contact, you might worry for quite a while if you don't do any testing.  Clearly your call.  But in response to your immediate question, do these symptoms sound like herpes, the answer is a clear no.

Terri

[WorriedIdiot670]

I should also mention that my doctor gave me a 7-day supply of doxycycline as a precaution at 4 days.  I have been taking that regularly and have two more pills left.