Should I get Herpes Blood test?

[Guy33]

This is an old question, but going for yearly physical soon so wanted to either get it done or put this 3 year old worry to rest. History, back in 2009, I had what I thought was a possible genital herpes outbreak. Basically the day before i felt this tingling, or burning sensation, then the next day, after visiting a lake, I go to take a shower and I notice bumps on the tip of my penis. It scared me bad, but I had no other symptoms like fever, flu like symptoms, etc. Anyways, I was visiting out of town during this, so by the time I got home to see my doc, the "sores" were gone. They only lasted a couple days, but the uncomfortable tingling lasted for a week or 2 after that, which I thought if the sores disappear with herpes, the pain will too? I have had several sex partners since this, and none of them ever had any outbreaks that I am aware of. I haven't even had one since then. The doctors I have had since basically do not recommend a herpes blood test, some say they don't even think that is what I had. I even tried another online specialist so you guys are my final opinion. I have come to grips with not getting the herpes blood test because I have always felt even if I do have it, what can I do? I have read from this site and others that it's not overly serious condition and I feel that without having outbreaks, I should just move on and quit worrying about it. Part of me wants to know, but not sure if it's worth the blood test. I get tested yearly for the dangerous STD's, but just wondering if I should do this herpes one for peace of mind, or take the advice of previous doctors and let it go? How reliable are the test anyway? I've heard mixed opinions. Thanks for your help, it's been 3 years and I am just ready to put this to rest.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I think that's the right decision.  As to what it might hav been, hard to say at this time.  Sorry.  EWH

[Guy33]

Thanks Dr. Hook, I think I have made my decision to not worry about it. But can you offer any insight on what that condition may of been?

[Edward W Hook, MD]

Good question.  I'll try to help but whether or not to test will ultimately be up to you.  I hope that my comments will be helpful.

The likelihood that the episode you describe was an initial episode of HSV is low but not zero.  You don't mention any exposure history of note so I can't comment on that but the fact that the lesions cleared after just a few days is not typical of an initial episode of HSV.   Typically lesions last a week or more and the discomfort associated with such outbreaks resolves before, not after the lesions have healed.  The fact that you have not experienced any recurrences likewise works to make HSV unlikely.

A herpes blood test for you may be helpful but there are risks as well.  Unfortunately they only diagnose about 95% of all HSV infections and, more importantly, they have rather high false positive rates.  The likelihood of a false positive varies depending on the background of the person being tested and from what you say you are not at particularly high risk for infection, thus if you had a blood test it might reflect HSV or it might be a false positive.  False positive tests can be sorted out with further, rather expensive tests if need be. Personally, I agree with your doctor that there is no reason to test but if you feel you must, please be sure that the test performed is a type specific test such as the HerpeSelect and PLEASE do not get an IgM test- they are a waste of time and money.  the test you want is for IgG antibodies.

Sorry I can't be more definitive.  I can understand your desire to be tested but personally would not recommend it.  EWH