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Herpes 2 window

Hello

I am wondering what the window period for herpes 2 is. I was tested at four weeks and thought I was safe, only to find out that it may take up to 16 weeks to show up. The latest test was at three months with Herpes select IGG for 1 and 2 and both came back negative or less then .9 and also less then .9 for IGM combination.  Most of the information I find assumes that you already have Herpes 1.
The problem I am having is the tip of my penis gets red and extremely sensitive. This lasts about two weeks and then goes away. Their is no discharge and all the tests are negative. I have been to my family doctor a dermatologist and a urologist, had many blood tests, urinalysis and swabs taken and no answers.
My question is
1.  since I don't have Herpes 1 would the symptoms show up faster, if I had it?
2.  I see that it is different for each person but is their a percentage that get affected within the 2 to 10 day time range? My problem started about a month later.
3.  I went to the doctors last night which is five months later and he took a swab from inside my penis to test for herpes, chlamydia and a couple other things. When I get the results and they are negative can I finally put this to rest?
4.  I have a hard time believing that I am doing this to myself because every time I start to relax it starts all over. How could I possibly cause my penis to get red enough that the doctor sees it, and even he is puzzled? I started taking Hydroxyzine for anxiety hoping that if I am doing this to myself it will stop.

Thank you for putting up with everyones anxiety and situations!
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I disagree with the statement that you have had 'no answers'.  The answer is that you don't have herpes or any other STD.

The window period for HSV testing is typically up to 3 months, sometimes a little longer; I usually just say 3 months, but 16 weeks is also a reasonable estimate.  The symptom you describe doesn't sound like herpes, and you have seen at least 3 providers who did not diagnose herpes.  Add that to the blood test results (even though you are still short of 3 months) and herpes simply is not a plausible explanation for your problem.

1) The time to HSV-2 symptoms is not significantly different in people with or without HSV-1.  2) Probably 90% are symptomatic within 2 weeks and virtually 100% within 3 weeks.  A month is definitely too long.  3) You can put it to rest now.  A negative culture for herpes will not help one way or another; a follow-up blood test would be more meaningful (almost certainly it will be negative).  4) I cannot explain why redness comes and goes.  But I am confident it isn't herpes or any other STD.  Further, I am certain you have nothing that will ever seriously harm your health or that of a sex partner.

Regards--  HHH, MD
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A related discussion, Scared that I might have Herpes was started.
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A related discussion, Scared that I might have Herpes was started.
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