herpes question

[needsunderstanding]

I recently went to the doctor with what looked like two areas of redness that didn't heal for about 4 weeks. I was extremely upset because I went on the internet and looked up "red skin on penis" and of course Herpes populated the pages instantly. I've never had anything like this on my penis except maybe a similar area on my penis many years ago. I was very concerned that it might be herpes and saw two different doctors on the same day. They both said that it doesn't look anything like herpes. I asked if we should do a blood test and he said that he doesn't recommend blood tests because they are too sensitive. The only way to know for sure is to swab it if it ever came back. I told my partner and he said that even if it was herpes we would just deal with it. I don't think i've ever had a herpes test since i've just found out that herpes tests are not included in standard std panels. So, of course now i'm paranoid that this might be herpes----it just didn't look right and was very unusual. Should I trust my doctor's analysis and wait and see?

[needsunderstanding]

Do herpes sores bleed?

[Life360_Dave]

not necessarily have symptoms many dont.
But how would you get herpes there? Unless he has it and gave you anal and infected you. It just dosent go there.
Yes he could have it for years and never have symptoms. Low number scores most often mean a new infection and higher mean old. If the test says anything above 1 is positive and he or you have a 2.5 it could be assumed new and if the number is 5 or above it could be consider old. These numbers represent the amount of antibodies in the blood and the higher the amount the longer they have been there.

Thats way we wait at least 3 months for testing for a new infection as is a slow process building antibodies.

[needsunderstanding]

Final question, i promise: does exposure to herpes guarantee infection? Some medical stats would certainly help me.

I'm seriously thinking this is herpes...and it's just a gut feeling. The red patches of inflamed skin started first and then about 2 weeks later i felt achey and had a headache.....sorry, but the more i think about this the more i am remembering.

[needsunderstanding]

Please forgive me but i've been reading all kinds of stuff all over this website and have myself so worked up....
Your yes answer to number one.... would he have had symptoms?

3. "ok?" i've never felt anything down in the anal area, but read that herpes could go there. is he at risk?


Finally, if he hasn't been tested for stds in a long number of years could he be infected and never have symptoms? Does a herpes test tell you how long ago?

[Life360_Dave]

1. yes
2. yes from deep romantic friction kissing but with no lip sores at the time the risk is quite low as hsv1 oral does not shed that often.  
3. ok?
4. no risk
5. red patches are not typical herpes sores. The are blister or razor type cuts most often and heal in a couple of weeks. Red topical patches that dont heal for 4 weeks would be much more of a fungal (male yeast infection) issue.

[needsunderstanding]

Thank you for your help.. I do have a few more questions if you don't mind answering:
I'm not entirely convinced that what I experienced wasn't herpes. It was just way too atypical and has never happened before. So, now i'm really concerned about transmission, if this is the case...

1.) IF i was infected with HSV on my penis and my partner performed oral sex on me would he be at risk?
2.) I know that I've had cold sores (2 in the past in my whole entire life) could he get it from me? Most of our sexual relations are me performing Oral sex on him.
3.) We have only had anal intercourse ONCE in 5 years (me receiving) and it was without a condom but for only a short while.
4.) He has touched my penis with his hand and then touched himself.
5.) I don't recall any genital to genital touching----it's just the way our sex happens to be.

I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY SORT OF WEIRD REDNESS LIKE THIS BEFORE... I've been reading about asymptomatic shedding and if this is the case could he get it through the ways i mentioned above?

[Life360_Dave]

They can appear anywhere but only on one side at a time.

[needsunderstanding]

I think what he meant is that the tests are overly sensitive but don't tell you where the infection is.

What do you mean by, "herpes sores are only on one side?" I've been reading that they can appear anywhere.

[Life360_Dave]

With fungal infections, most come from a change in the skins pH as with a yeast infection and could last a month without the proper cream to aide in clearing it up.
1. Doesnot make any sense what he said. Of course the tests are sensitive as thats how they detect the virus.
2.herpes sores are only on one side and doesnt not last a month before healing.
3. Soap, laundry detergent, sex, sweat, many things.
4. yes

[needsunderstanding]

Hi,
Thanks for your response. Do fungal infections take almost a month to heal? I  am scared to death to take a herpes test. I have talked to my partner about his STD past (we've been together 5 years) and he hasn't had an std panel done in many many years. We didn't get tested when we first met and he still hasn't been tested---not that i'm pointing fingers at him. I've been tested for hiv, syphilis, hepatitis and all that jazz but i don't think i've been tested for herpes, although i've recently learned that they are not standard std panel tests. Here are my questions:
1.) What did the doctor mean by saying that the herpes tests are too sensitive?
2.) The area of redness was in two places without blisters, but one of them bled when i got out of the hot tub, but lasted for almost a month---still not herpes?
3.) How would I get a fungal infection?
The idea of herpes has always been in the back of my mind. When i met my partner I told him that i have had cold sores and he said he wasn't concerned about that. After this recent event he told me again that if it was herpes we would just deal with it.
4.) is it possible to have herpes and never have symptoms?

Thanks again.

[Life360_Dave]

Hi, simple redness is more of a topical fungal infection. Herpes are blister type  or razor type sores with a clear liquid that heal in about 2 weeks. What your describing donot appear herpes related at all. Only testing would confirm. Since your sexually active you might take the herpes blood test both you and your partner just to confirm your status. Swabs are good but must be taken within 48 hours after appearing.