Do I have HSV1 on my Genitals?

I don't think it hurts to see a dermatologist. If he has insurance it would be the same co-pay. As a woman whose gone to two gynocologists and one online doctor who has seen pictures of my issues all three gave me a visual no. I've done an IGM which came out negative (but yea I know they aren't reliable, not that they are worthless) but after seeing three doctors that SHOULD know and have many years experience I decided a dermatologist wouldn't be a bad idea. Besides many treat different types of warts, molusscum contagion, ect I think a dermatologist would know (if anything it's another educated opinion) as far as him going to an STD clinic sure. But if he's like me I called an STD clinic the other day and they don't accept my insurance and I have BCBS. So why pay an std clinic $140 out of pocket when I can get the same testing done with an in network doctor and only pay $35. Didn't make sense to me which is why I am not going to be going that route.

On a plus side when I did herpes testing in Feb of this year the IGM and IGG came out negative so I at least know from past experience they match up at least it did for me. I'm going to get the IGG test soon. Probably after my birthday because then 6 weeks would have passed from the date in question.

I just recommend calling the dermatoligist office prior to the visit to discuss costs and what is covered by insurance.  I have BCBS also and I have been surprised by what a derm charges and is not covered by insurance.  I agree though, another pair of eyes can't hurt.  Planned Parenthood in the states takes most insurances.  Glad to hear you came out negative.  Always a good thing.  I was positive HSV1 and low positive HSV2 with no lesions.  I then went through Westover Height Clinic and took the Western Blot.  It only showed positive for HSV1, negative for HSV2.  You have to be careful with those Elisa tests.

The western blot I heard was reliable isn't it? Is that the one you are going off of. And you're HSV1 for genitals?

I'm not in the clear yet I can't rely on the IGM although I'm glad it came out negative. I'm waiting to do the IGG test. I see a dermatologist next week will see if he will do it. Which test did you take that was low positive on HSV2? Sounds like you just have the 1. How have your symptoms been so far?

If you have HSV-1, it can influence the IgG test for HSV-2, resulting in a low positive. There is a 50/50 chance the low positive may be false. In many such cases, Western Blot is able to provide a definitive answer. If no prior HSV-1, then the IgG test is fine. A high positive is also conclusive.

Yes, exactly, and that is what happened in my case.  I have had HSV1 oral for 10-12 year with very few outbreaks.  I took the IGG HSV1 and HSV2 because I had dated someone that told me she was HSV2 Genital positive.  My HSV1 was 15.4 and my HSV2 was 1.1.  The Western Blot is supposedly the gold standard and only done through the University of Washington.  It cost me $250 and the wait was over 2 weeks to get the results.  I guess it looks for 14 or something different anti-bodies.  You can read it about it on the UW Virology website. 

My symptoms are weird, funny rash on my face and few red dots on my butt. I also have strange nerve issues that may be attributed to something else.  I am seeing a naturopath and a neurologist to try and figure it out. I have been told by two different dermatologists that they are not herpes.  If you are in the United States you don't have to wait for a doctor to order the IGG HSV1 and HSV2.  You can go online and get the tests yourself.  You just need to be over 18.  They will email you your results in 2-3 days.

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Did you get a swollen/tender lymph node in your groin? That would be very telling. Flu-like symptoms could be due to a new oral infection as well, I'm guessing. As for genital herpes, it can be just a single lesion, it doesn't have to blister/ulcerate, and there is usually no tingling (especially for first outbreaks) or odour. However, the lesions do occur on the surface, not under the skin.

P.S. Only around half of those with GH get the tingling, which occurs with recurrent outbreaks. First outbreak usually just hits you without warning.

I don't recall having a swollen lymph node in my groim. Aside from aches in my neck, I had no other flu-like symptoms.

My first outbreak, from what I've read, is also meant to be my worst--yet it was only a single bump, identical to the recurring "outbreak."

I understand this is a guideline and not the rule.

Also, there are no other sores! Just the one

Do HSV1 sores looks different than HSV2 sores on the genitals?

Yeah, there are no real "rules" with GH (or too many exceptions), which is part of the problem! Type 1 and Type 2 genital lesions cannot be distinguished by presentation or progression. They look and behave the same. One bump under the skin is certainly less to worry about. Perhaps you only caught it orally.

Ugh, frustrating!

Alright, I suppose a doctor's evaluation is the only thing that can be done.

Last question: if I do have it on my genitals, can I have unprotected Dez with someone who has HSV1 orally? Are they protected because they already have antibodies, or can I spread it to their genitals as well?

Thanks!!

Sex**

I like unprotected Dez better, lmao.

If someone has an established Type 1 oral infection, they are unlikely to subsequently acquire it genitally as well, but there is no guarantee and exceptions seem to exist.

Type 1 orally/genitally does not protect against Type 2. *Slightly*, but you can still definitely get it and it is much more likely to be mild or asymptomatic in such cases. I know you didn't ask that, but just fyi.

Alright, thanks again for everything...fingers crossed from this point moving forward.

Are you still going to see the derm? Keep us posted. I am curious to know how it goes.

Yeah, still a couple weeks out. Will update then.

Fyi, if you want to specifically test the bump for herpes, then that will be too late. Need to do it while the bump is fairly new. Besides, it may resolve within two weeks, even if not herpes! But if it's still there after 2+ weeks, then you can relax about GH, as a herpes lesion wouldn't last that long.

Also good to know, thank you.

Don't know how I'm gonna get a straight answer for this! -_-

May wait for if and when the bump gets reaggrevated, then get it tested.