HSV Risk/Fear

[cmiles1983]

First of all Thank you both for your hard work. In preparing my question I ensured to read others previously. In effort to make this simple and fast I have outlined my symptoms and exposure as I doubt you need much more.

Exposure: Unprotected Oral sex both parties male and both getting felliato. 3 months ago. (Which I have seen you both say all the time this is low risk not no risk but low.)
Symptoms: Felt sick within a week slight fever doctor said I was catching the flu but had flu shot this year. Dr ordered igg blood testing but told me the test wouldn't be accurate. 3 week test showed negative status for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. Started having pain in penis saw dr again was given antibotic and cream for balantitis. Things started to clear up but got red scrotum dermatologist said fungul gave cream. Developed a few bumps on penis doctor said pustules nothing to worry about popped them.Had yearly physical doctor did full STD panel igg test came back negative at this point 9 weeks. Went back to doctor at the 12 week mark had another igg test done. Negative. Now have a red rash that is on both side of legs like I had pants on that were on too tight. Also sweated alot yesterday as my underwear was quite damp in the leg regions. Now I have 2 bumps that are small not larger then a penny but have a white top to them and are red all around them (little outside of where the bump is red). Also having lots of diarrhea today and yesterday.

1). Do I need to worry?
2). How accurate is the testing I have had?
3). Do I need more testing?
4). Are my fears of herpes at this point uncalled for

[Edward W Hook, MD]

No, I do not.  I do not think you have HSV.  EWH

[cmiles1983]

I assume you don't think this is needed from the sound of your responses.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Stll not a high risk situation from what you describe.  If you are concerned and can't get into the dermatologist, I suggest you go to your local STD clinic. Their services tend to be inexpensive, highly confidential and they are experts who see these problems frequently.  EWH

[cmiles1983]

This rash is new and the dermatologist has not looked over it due to him being booked over for 2 weeks.  Fear is such a bad thing to have.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Welcome to our Forum.  I don't think you need to worry.  the diagnosis of HSV can be challenging, in part because there are no "perfect" tests.  If a culture is positive, you almost certainly have HSV but if it is negative, you may or may not because there are many falsely negative cultures.  With respect to the blood tests, there is room for error on both sides.  A small proportion of people fail to develop antibodies and another small proportion have falsely positive tests.  Thus we have to use the tests we have available and put the results together with the test results we have.  In your case, none of the descriptions you provide a highly suggestive of HSV and you have had your rashes examined by a dermatologist who was not concern.  Putting all of the information  you have provided together, I am confident that you did not get HSV from the encounter you describe (also, please remember, most persons who are exposed to partners with HSV do not get infected),

Thus to address your specific questions:

1.  No, you do not need to worry.
2.  It is good but not perfect.  At this time, in your situation, over 90%  and probably closer to 95% of persons who have gotten herpes would have a positive test. When your negative antibody tests are combined with the other information, you really should not worry about HSV.
3.  No, I would not recommend additional testing.
4.  You have no reason to worry further about herpes..

I hope these comments are helpful to you.  EWH