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Possible Infection?
Ms. Terri,
I am posting in your fourm today because I have a lot of questions and not many answers. With that being said please let me start off with some information.
I am a 25 year old male. I had a one time encounter with anoher male about 4 weeks ago. I think I may have contracted Herpes. I met another male whom I have never known. We preformed oral on each other. It was unprotected. Prior to meeting this person he assured me he was clean and never had any symptoms of herpes at all. Which from reading these forums that isn't a for sure sign of cleanness. The guy said he last sexual encounter was about 2 months ago when we were talking before leading up to the act. I did not see any sores on his face or on his gentials.
Here are my symptoms and I hope that you maybe able to answer my questions below:
Week 1: I felt fine. No discomfort or anything. Worried about HIV and was told not very possible in oral transmission. There was no kissing or anal sex so I was cool with that.
Week 2: Started feeling like I was getting sick. Had swollen neck lmyphnodes. I also started having some pain in my testicle area like a dull pinching pain and some itchy feelings that would come and go in certain spots around my private areas. I checked and found no bumps or blisters at all. Did a lot of poking and prodding but found nothing. Started noticing though later in that week what flight like my skin was broken and felt when I went pee that I would need to go again without much coming out. I had some pain when I went to the bathroom but not much. I also started getting weakness through out my legs. I noticed that the head of my penis was red too. No blister or anything that I could see. The pains I would get usually where ones that would be there for a few minutes and go away and then come back later on the day.
I will post more in comments due to message limit being reached.
I am posting in your fourm today because I have a lot of questions and not many answers. With that being said please let me start off with some information.
I am a 25 year old male. I had a one time encounter with anoher male about 4 weeks ago. I think I may have contracted Herpes. I met another male whom I have never known. We preformed oral on each other. It was unprotected. Prior to meeting this person he assured me he was clean and never had any symptoms of herpes at all. Which from reading these forums that isn't a for sure sign of cleanness. The guy said he last sexual encounter was about 2 months ago when we were talking before leading up to the act. I did not see any sores on his face or on his gentials.
Here are my symptoms and I hope that you maybe able to answer my questions below:
Week 1: I felt fine. No discomfort or anything. Worried about HIV and was told not very possible in oral transmission. There was no kissing or anal sex so I was cool with that.
Week 2: Started feeling like I was getting sick. Had swollen neck lmyphnodes. I also started having some pain in my testicle area like a dull pinching pain and some itchy feelings that would come and go in certain spots around my private areas. I checked and found no bumps or blisters at all. Did a lot of poking and prodding but found nothing. Started noticing though later in that week what flight like my skin was broken and felt when I went pee that I would need to go again without much coming out. I had some pain when I went to the bathroom but not much. I also started getting weakness through out my legs. I noticed that the head of my penis was red too. No blister or anything that I could see. The pains I would get usually where ones that would be there for a few minutes and go away and then come back later on the day.
I will post more in comments due to message limit being reached.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you are negative for both HSV 1 and HSV 2 at 9 weeks post exposure, I think there is a very good chance you will stay that way.
Terri
Terri
Ms. Terri,
That does answer. I thought HerpeSelect would be the best one to do at 12 weeks which I learned from the test I had done that it was HerpeSelect. Hopefully it will pick up the HSV-1 infection if I have it. I am fearful that I still have Genital HSV. I guess I will have to wait for 4 months. Does the 9 week test make you think that I will continue to test negative or you feel I may have a positive infection (based on my risk and the fact I didn't prior to the encounter had HSV). I was hoping that a nine week test would help ease my fears but it just doesn't seem to be. But that sadly is my problem and not much you can do. Thank you for answering my question.
That does answer. I thought HerpeSelect would be the best one to do at 12 weeks which I learned from the test I had done that it was HerpeSelect. Hopefully it will pick up the HSV-1 infection if I have it. I am fearful that I still have Genital HSV. I guess I will have to wait for 4 months. Does the 9 week test make you think that I will continue to test negative or you feel I may have a positive infection (based on my risk and the fact I didn't prior to the encounter had HSV). I was hoping that a nine week test would help ease my fears but it just doesn't seem to be. But that sadly is my problem and not much you can do. Thank you for answering my question.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agreed with the comment that we shouldn't use the term "clean" to mean free of STDs.
Your information about the HSV 1 issue is a little not correct, at least from my point of view. The test in general is less sensitive for HSV 1 then HSV 2. I'm not aware that it takes longer to make antibody to HSV 1 than HSV 2. What we do know is that if you have HSV 1 first and then acquire HSV 2, it takes longer for the HSV 2 antibody to be made when there is already HSV 1 antibody on board. Does that help clarify the question?
I think waiting 4 months after exposure will pick up the vast majority of cases of herpes infection.
Terri
Your information about the HSV 1 issue is a little not correct, at least from my point of view. The test in general is less sensitive for HSV 1 then HSV 2. I'm not aware that it takes longer to make antibody to HSV 1 than HSV 2. What we do know is that if you have HSV 1 first and then acquire HSV 2, it takes longer for the HSV 2 antibody to be made when there is already HSV 1 antibody on board. Does that help clarify the question?
I think waiting 4 months after exposure will pick up the vast majority of cases of herpes infection.
Terri
Ms. Terri I don't understand what do you agree with? My question was about the nine week test and how accurate can I take these results do you feel the need for the 12 week test still and if negative a 6 month test. I ask because HSV-1 doesn't appear to be caught at 12 weeks like HSV-2. Is this wrong if so how accurate is the HSV-1 of HERPESELECT at 12 weeks?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I agree.
Terri
Terri
How about if people stop referring to individuals with STI's as not breing clean?
I know many people with no STI's and they don't even know what soap and water is.
I know many people with no STI's and they don't even know what soap and water is.
Hi Ms. Terri,
Just a follow up I did get a 9 week result back today that was negative both say HERPESELECT IGG HSV-1 <0.90 and same but for HERPESELECT IGG HSV-2. I will soon be at a 12 week mark. From what I read the HSV-1 test isn't the best at picking up all the HSV-1 infections. Do you feel I need that 12 week test? If I do the 12 week test and get a negative do you think I need a 6 month test?
Just a follow up I did get a 9 week result back today that was negative both say HERPESELECT IGG HSV-1 <0.90 and same but for HERPESELECT IGG HSV-2. I will soon be at a 12 week mark. From what I read the HSV-1 test isn't the best at picking up all the HSV-1 infections. Do you feel I need that 12 week test? If I do the 12 week test and get a negative do you think I need a 6 month test?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you contracted genital herpes by receiving oral sex, the outbreaks could appear anywhere in the boxer shorts area, including the anus.
Terri
Terri
Ms. Terri,
I know you said this would be your last response. I was hoping I could convince you to make an exception to this. While I understand why you are doing this I do have what I feel a important question.
My understanding is that if you are infected by having oral sex you should except to see the "blisters" appear in the area in which you were infected. If you have oral sex then your infection would display in the Penis area. Is this true and correct? I believe I am having symptoms of Anal herpes and wanted to know if what this was correct.
I know you said this would be your last response. I was hoping I could convince you to make an exception to this. While I understand why you are doing this I do have what I feel a important question.
My understanding is that if you are infected by having oral sex you should except to see the "blisters" appear in the area in which you were infected. If you have oral sex then your infection would display in the Penis area. Is this true and correct? I believe I am having symptoms of Anal herpes and wanted to know if what this was correct.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I think you should retest at 4 months after the exposure.
This is my last response on this thread.
Terri
This is my last response on this thread.
Terri
Ms. Terri,
Given with what you know about my case I had a rather quick question. I know you wanted to end this until I post test results but that is kind of where my question lies.
With that being said if I was your partient with everything I just said above. I test at 6 weeks and it is negative do you feel that I should continue the testing or do you feel that I didn't have herpetic symptoms thus really no further need for testing?
Thanks!
PS: Those Pustules haven't left yet... I don't seem them breaking open either. Just figured I would post that too. :-)
Given with what you know about my case I had a rather quick question. I know you wanted to end this until I post test results but that is kind of where my question lies.
With that being said if I was your partient with everything I just said above. I test at 6 weeks and it is negative do you feel that I should continue the testing or do you feel that I didn't have herpetic symptoms thus really no further need for testing?
Thanks!
PS: Those Pustules haven't left yet... I don't seem them breaking open either. Just figured I would post that too. :-)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
That sounds right, yeast. Pustules.
You can just call me Terri. But we do need to end this thread until you post your results, OK?
Terri
You can just call me Terri. But we do need to end this thread until you post your results, OK?
Terri
Ms. Terri in a unrelated question. What is the proper way to address a NP such are yourself? I feel as though I should be addressing you as Dr. but I don't know.
Ms. Terri,
The docotor called me back. He said they are not pearly. He said they are very pin point and very small. He said they aren't grouped like he would see with herpes and that they are typical with yeast infections. He also used the word pustules (again spelling maybe off. Sorry).
The docotor called me back. He said they are not pearly. He said they are very pin point and very small. He said they aren't grouped like he would see with herpes and that they are typical with yeast infections. He also used the word pustules (again spelling maybe off. Sorry).
He didnt say pearly or not. I have a call into his office. I did remember him saying they look fluid filled. Is that bad?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Did he say pearly papules?
You can feel free to post test results here if you wish.
Terri
You can feel free to post test results here if you wish.
Terri
Ms. Terri,
I had a dermatology appointment today in regards to my hands being so dry (mostly due to the climate I live in). I went in and show the nice docotor the bumps as he asked if I had anything else. He agreed to look me over. He disagreed with the cream perscribed by the PA. He looked at the bumps and said they look like (excuse my spelling it maybe incorrect) palpus not blisters at all. He looked at them with what he called a dermascope but looked like a maginifing glass. He said nothing to worry about and not likely herpes at all. What a breath of fresh air that gave me.
I wish I had known that when I saw that PA. I really didn't like the clinic and hence why I posted here for further assistance. The docotor I saw today disagreed with the anitbotic too but he said it wasn't he speciality but felt that another course of action could have been taken. He went as far to say that I should file a complaint because the PA didn't even look at my foot to confirm I had a fungual infection there too. Needless to say that clinic also has a bad rep with some of the local docs and I just moved back here so I wasn't aware.
I am going to finish the medicine out though. Do you feel I should be on the look out and return to another clinic for any follow up on an STI?
I find it now easier to know that these bumps were not herpes sores/blister and that I can rest somewhat until the 12 week mark. Its positive to see so many people agree low risk and that I have nothing so far to worry of. I think that is the biggest benefit that medical professionals such as yourself can provide to us is that you can tell us we should be close to okay and not to worry so much when in fact there is little worry.
Would you like me to follow up with my future test results or do you feel at this time it is enough on this thread?
I had a dermatology appointment today in regards to my hands being so dry (mostly due to the climate I live in). I went in and show the nice docotor the bumps as he asked if I had anything else. He agreed to look me over. He disagreed with the cream perscribed by the PA. He looked at the bumps and said they look like (excuse my spelling it maybe incorrect) palpus not blisters at all. He looked at them with what he called a dermascope but looked like a maginifing glass. He said nothing to worry about and not likely herpes at all. What a breath of fresh air that gave me.
I wish I had known that when I saw that PA. I really didn't like the clinic and hence why I posted here for further assistance. The docotor I saw today disagreed with the anitbotic too but he said it wasn't he speciality but felt that another course of action could have been taken. He went as far to say that I should file a complaint because the PA didn't even look at my foot to confirm I had a fungual infection there too. Needless to say that clinic also has a bad rep with some of the local docs and I just moved back here so I wasn't aware.
I am going to finish the medicine out though. Do you feel I should be on the look out and return to another clinic for any follow up on an STI?
I find it now easier to know that these bumps were not herpes sores/blister and that I can rest somewhat until the 12 week mark. Its positive to see so many people agree low risk and that I have nothing so far to worry of. I think that is the biggest benefit that medical professionals such as yourself can provide to us is that you can tell us we should be close to okay and not to worry so much when in fact there is little worry.
Would you like me to follow up with my future test results or do you feel at this time it is enough on this thread?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I know its hard to wait, sorry about that!
I'm not wild about the choice of antibiotics for the kind of symptoms that report. The standard treatment for urethritis is 1000 mg of azithro in a single dose. Bactrim is just OK, not great, if you had some kind of STI.
I'm not so concerned about the bumps.
Terri
I'm not wild about the choice of antibiotics for the kind of symptoms that report. The standard treatment for urethritis is 1000 mg of azithro in a single dose. Bactrim is just OK, not great, if you had some kind of STI.
I'm not so concerned about the bumps.
Terri
Ms. Terri,
Thank you!!!!!!!! To answer your questions.
I was not on any mediciation during the pain in my testicles. Sadly I wish I could say I was on medicine. However, the other side to this is when I went and got seen for the pain and peeing problem. During Week 2-3 the docotor said it was balantitis was the problem. He gave me a perscription for clotrimazole cream and SMZ/TMP DS 800-160 Tab Interpharm (says on my bottle it was substituted for bactrim DS 800-160). He said that the urine had no white blood cells to show infection. I did notice after taking the medicine for a few days the pain did appear to subside and go away.
The bumps are on the shaft and I can really only see 2 of them my skin down there is very loose and wrinkles up easily. But I am kind of hairy. I know that may not help you any right now but more information can't hurt can it?
After reviewing your site and numberous responses here and webmd I like your plan. I can see that you are one smart cookie and most of all one knowledgable person when it comes to herpes. It is as I am sure you know hard to wait that 12 weeks.
Thank you!!!!!!!! To answer your questions.
I was not on any mediciation during the pain in my testicles. Sadly I wish I could say I was on medicine. However, the other side to this is when I went and got seen for the pain and peeing problem. During Week 2-3 the docotor said it was balantitis was the problem. He gave me a perscription for clotrimazole cream and SMZ/TMP DS 800-160 Tab Interpharm (says on my bottle it was substituted for bactrim DS 800-160). He said that the urine had no white blood cells to show infection. I did notice after taking the medicine for a few days the pain did appear to subside and go away.
The bumps are on the shaft and I can really only see 2 of them my skin down there is very loose and wrinkles up easily. But I am kind of hairy. I know that may not help you any right now but more information can't hurt can it?
After reviewing your site and numberous responses here and webmd I like your plan. I can see that you are one smart cookie and most of all one knowledgable person when it comes to herpes. It is as I am sure you know hard to wait that 12 weeks.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. I think your risk is low but not very low.
2. It means something! I means you were negative at the start of all of this, and two encounters are not, just be sheer numbers, not high. Also, people who are double negative, that is, no type 1 and no type 2, when they get infected, become antibody test positive more quickly than someone who is positive for HSV 1 and acquires type 2.
3. Your symptoms don't sound herpetic to me. I am wondering if you've taken any antibiotics during this course of symptoms. The pain in your testicles with no medicine, if you didn't have any, worries me just a little.
The bumps on the penis could be anything from hair follicles to yeast, I just can't say from here.
4. My suggestion at this point is to do nothing, but I would like you to answer me about the antibiotics. Since you posted on the herpes board, I believe this is your main concern. I would recommend that you retest at about 12 weeks post exposure.
6. I do think if you have had herpes you would have more herpes-specific symptoms like blisters.
How do you feel about that plan?
Terri
2. It means something! I means you were negative at the start of all of this, and two encounters are not, just be sheer numbers, not high. Also, people who are double negative, that is, no type 1 and no type 2, when they get infected, become antibody test positive more quickly than someone who is positive for HSV 1 and acquires type 2.
3. Your symptoms don't sound herpetic to me. I am wondering if you've taken any antibiotics during this course of symptoms. The pain in your testicles with no medicine, if you didn't have any, worries me just a little.
The bumps on the penis could be anything from hair follicles to yeast, I just can't say from here.
4. My suggestion at this point is to do nothing, but I would like you to answer me about the antibiotics. Since you posted on the herpes board, I believe this is your main concern. I would recommend that you retest at about 12 weeks post exposure.
6. I do think if you have had herpes you would have more herpes-specific symptoms like blisters.
How do you feel about that plan?
Terri
correction I just looked again and it looks like a few bumps on different sides of the penis.
Week 3: My butt started hurting like I had scratches or something. I figured it was because of all my bowel movements which were very watery. I thought it might just be the TP hurting me. My penis head stayed red but nothing showed up. I went to a docotor who did a urine test and said he found no leukocyte in my urine at all. The docotor feels that I am normal and said it could be that I am hairy and the hair is causing problems or some blanatis. He gave me some clotrimazole to clear that problem. He said the pain on the sides could be due to infection. Pain in scrotum started to go down. Before the pain was constant every day then only some parts of the day mainly after I woke up and been up for a few minutes. Also had some mild lower back pain. Stayed with me for a few days then left.
Week 4: My right butt cheek was hurting and my leg on that side is weak. My pee is back to normal and head on my penis looks like it is not so red. I do have some pain when I first pee or when I feel like I need to go. The pain in the scrotum has completely gone but I get the feeling that when I pee those spots that are irritated are still there.
Today I have a very small bump on my shaft. I am not circum sized and all I can see is this one little bump. Because of my size (I am rather small down there) it is hard to see if there is others. Now yesterday I did masturbate and what I noticed was that my sperm was very liquidity and not so white. Like I had some pee mixed in there.
1. What do you feel my exposure to this is?
2. I had a test down at the 2 week mark it was negative but I know it don't mean much.
3. Given the length of time does this support a possible herpes infection?
4. What are your suggestions at this point?
5. Testing: Should I do a test at 6-Week and then 9-Week and then 12-week?
6. If he had Herpes would I not see the blisters / etc in the site of infection?
Week 4: My right butt cheek was hurting and my leg on that side is weak. My pee is back to normal and head on my penis looks like it is not so red. I do have some pain when I first pee or when I feel like I need to go. The pain in the scrotum has completely gone but I get the feeling that when I pee those spots that are irritated are still there.
Today I have a very small bump on my shaft. I am not circum sized and all I can see is this one little bump. Because of my size (I am rather small down there) it is hard to see if there is others. Now yesterday I did masturbate and what I noticed was that my sperm was very liquidity and not so white. Like I had some pee mixed in there.
1. What do you feel my exposure to this is?
2. I had a test down at the 2 week mark it was negative but I know it don't mean much.
3. Given the length of time does this support a possible herpes infection?
4. What are your suggestions at this point?
5. Testing: Should I do a test at 6-Week and then 9-Week and then 12-week?
6. If he had Herpes would I not see the blisters / etc in the site of infection?
You are reading content posted in the Herpes Forum
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.
