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Is it Herpes?
I'm a 20 year old gay male and I've had sexual contact with three men in the past four months. I haven't had penetrative anal sex with any of them, solely oral sex and mutual masturbation. About a month ago (about a week after my most recent sexual contact) I developed a persistent itching sensation on my butt, under my upper thighs, and between my butt cheeks. At first there was no noticeable redness or bump, but three weeks later as the itching persisted a few light red spots turned up in the affected area. The spots were raised and they haven't turned into sores, but they've consistently itched. I had flu like symptoms about two weeks before the itching (before my most recent sexual contact) and about a week after I was with my last partner.
The flu like symptoms match up with the herpes symptoms I've looked up, but I hadn't heard of anyone getting the same flu symptoms twice (they were exactly the same). Also, as I said, the bumps aren't raised and have formed no blisters. They're a very light red and difficult to see. Do you think this is herpes?
The flu like symptoms match up with the herpes symptoms I've looked up, but I hadn't heard of anyone getting the same flu symptoms twice (they were exactly the same). Also, as I said, the bumps aren't raised and have formed no blisters. They're a very light red and difficult to see. Do you think this is herpes?
these really don't sound like genital herpes going on. The best thing to do is to be seen and get them checked out. Hard to do on a weekend with a holiday coming up next week I know.
These really sound more like a fungal infection and possibly folliculitis more than anything but you'll need a proper exam and diagnosis from a medical professional.
The rates of herpes infections in gay males are very high in general - both hsv1 and hsv2. It's certainly something to be aware of. Have you ever had type specific herpes igg blood testing done to know your status? We recommend protected sexual contact to best protect you - pretty much if your pants are off, a condom should be on. it saves you from worrying, protects you as well as saves you from having frequent testing. Since we know hsv2 infection also increases the risk of hiv infection if you have a hiv + partner, protect yourself and trust no one - be protected until it's a long term monogamous relationship where you know your partner's full std status!
have you had your gardasil shot series yet too?
grace
These really sound more like a fungal infection and possibly folliculitis more than anything but you'll need a proper exam and diagnosis from a medical professional.
The rates of herpes infections in gay males are very high in general - both hsv1 and hsv2. It's certainly something to be aware of. Have you ever had type specific herpes igg blood testing done to know your status? We recommend protected sexual contact to best protect you - pretty much if your pants are off, a condom should be on. it saves you from worrying, protects you as well as saves you from having frequent testing. Since we know hsv2 infection also increases the risk of hiv infection if you have a hiv + partner, protect yourself and trust no one - be protected until it's a long term monogamous relationship where you know your partner's full std status!
have you had your gardasil shot series yet too?
grace
Correction: I originally wrote that the spots were raised but they are not. I can't feel them and I can actually barely see them.
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
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.
