thanks for that information Doc. It really seems many Drs do not know a thing about STDs. I'm glad I found this site.
Yeast and herpes symptoms are very different; yeast causes more diffuse rash, sometimes with red spots; herpes causes blister-like sores that progress to open sores then scabs over 1-2 weeks. You describe nothing that suggests herpes. IgM testing for HSV is a useless test that is never helpful and often confusing, because of frequent falsely positive results. That test should not have been done; whether positive or negative, it will not tell you whethe ror not you are infected. The only useful blood tests are IgG based; they start to become positive in 2-3 weeks, but often take up to 3-4 months.
For symptoms of herpes, read any of several excellent websites such as www.ashastd.org, www.cdc.gov/std, or www.metrokc.gov/health/apu.std (where I wrote much of the information myself). Use the search link on this forum for many discussions of why IgM HSV testing is a bad thing to do, and for other information about HSV diagnosis. As search terms, enter "herpes diagnosis", "HerpeSelect", and/or "IgM".
HI, I hope you are available to answer this. It's been one week sincy yeast infection issue. I still have little clusters of bumps now on the skin of the shaft of the penis. it also itches. the redness have gotten a little better on the shaft. my questions are:
1. with herpes, what in the world am i looking for? i read that yeast infection has the same symptoms has herpes.
2. I took a herpes IGM and I?? today and wanted to know, Is 14 days enough time to accurately check for herpes?
thank you very much in advance
Your wife is exactly where you got your yeast infection. I should have been more clear aobut sexual transmission. Women do not get yeast sexually from their partners; they carry the organism in their vaginas and or rectums (this is normal) and sometimes it flares up with symptoms. When it does, sometimes their male partners get yeast rashes of the penis.
Such tiny, subtle scabs also go along with yeast. Not with any STD. As I said, see a provider if you remain concerned. But this forum has nothing more to offer you.
so how did i get yeast infection if not from my wife's yeast infection. also, i just noticed tiny scabs from the base of the head of my penis. its hard to see but if i strecth the head, u can see it. also, after the oral sex, i placed a condom on and had vaginal sex. not sure if this has an effect.
thanks for another respone.
The facts are that 1) oral sex is very safe -- not perfect, but a low risk for all STDs and zero risk for some; 2) "tingling" is not a symptom of STD, especially when "I'm sure if it was my mind"; 3) yeast infections are not sexually acquired; and 4) slight redness, "a lot of little bumps", and itching are yeast symptoms, not herpes symptoms.
Bottom line: I see no concern here about STD. Most likely you didn't catch anything during your Dominican adventure. Probably neither your wife's symptoms nor yours have anything to do with that exposure, except for the anxiety part. Of course see a health care provider if your symptoms persist or you otherwise remain concerned.
Good luck-- HHH, MD