negative results

[pean1]

in april i was tested for herpes via a swab from a possible lesion. my dr did not think it was herpatic as it was linear and not circular. i had recently had a yeast infection and may have cut myself while applying treatment. i had redness and irritation to one spot in my labia but no visible sore or discharge. my swab was negative and i was symptom free. several weeks later i developed some redness and irritation and pain in the same spot but no sore or visible lesion and in the last 2 months have intermittenly had the same things. pain some redness but no sore. could the swab been a false negative? could it be herpes. i saw my dr again and she said no, and gave me steroidal cream to put on when it gets sore but that is it. if it herpes, can sharing bath towels, wash clothes, etc, spread the infection to my children/family? i am so stressed thinking i am infecting people with disease.

[franklinandbash]

How long after the lesion appeared did you have it swabbed

[pean1]

it was probably with in a week of it. 2 at the most. it was still there when she swabbed it.

[DiDiva]

I think it needs to be within 48 hours for it to be most accurate.  Have you had an IGG blood test done?

[gracefromHHP]

At this point both you and your partner should seek out type specific herpes igg blood testing to see who has what. also returning to be seen everytime you have symptoms is also helpful even though it is a pain to do so.  have they been testing you for yeast and bacterial infections vaginally too when you are seen?

not a worry about transmitting genital herpes to anyone you aren't having sex with if indeed you do have it.
grace

[pean1]

no have not had blood tests done. the nystatin cream she gave me helped immediately so does that mean its prob not herpes?

[bobrope45]

there's no way of knowing. if you suspect herpes, get the blood test as grace pointed out. you have to wait at least 3 mos. since last sexual exposure.

[petal130]

I'd still go with Grace's suggestion to get the blood test. But, the fact that the Nystatin worked indeed means that chances are your symptoms were fungal in nature. Nystatin won't do anything to help clear a herpes outbreak.