Out of curiousity, is it possible (or likely) for genital herpes (either Hsv-1 or Hsv-2) to manifest itself only inside the urethra and not show on the head or shaft?
Thank you Dr. Could you please comment on the fact that the pimples that I recently had left small scars which I believe is uncommon for herpes. What about the recurring testicular pain? I would love a comment on these symptoms and whether they could be due to herpes.
Pimples in the pubic area rarely are due to herpes; and as you suggest, herpes rarely leaves scars. But the blood test remains the way to know for sure.
HHH, MD
Your symptoms do not sound typical for herpes; certainly most of your symptoms are not due to it (the rash, pimples in the groin, epididymitis). Your painful urination sounds like it could have been herpes, although anal sex carries risk of urethritis due to fecal fecal bacteria; I can't tell which applies to your case.
The bottom line is that there is no point in trying to figure out whether or not you have herpes based just on your symptoms. You need diagnostic testing. Tell your doctor you want a type-specific antibody test for HSV-1 and HSV-2. But you might as well delay a few weeks before you do it. It can take up to 3 months for the test to become positive, so wait until that much time has passed.
Good luck-- HHH, MD