1. Community
  2. Infections
  3. Genital Herpes Simplex

Can it be herpes?

Posted , 3 users are following.

jose44866
jose44866

Hello. I'd like some opinions on here this has been causing me very high anxiety. 8 weeks ago I received unprotected oral sex from a woman that lasted for about 3 minutes if not less. 4 weeks after the encounter I noticed some redness on my penis foreskin right below the head. This lasted for about two days and then disappeared. Now at 8 weeks the redness came back 2 days ago and again it's gone again in 2 days. It's was slightly itchy, and there are no sores that appear anywhere on penis. The itching also happens in between my thighs, where it is slightly red also but itches more here than on penis. I am uncircumcised and do wash under foreskin every day where the redness occurs. This is also my first and only sexual encounter ever. I did a full std panel test at 4 weeks after the encounter and the Dr said everything was negative. How reliable would these tests be? Please, this has been causing me extreme anxiety and depression just thinking that I could possibly have herpes.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Laurabe
    Laurabe jose44866

    Posted

    A lot of std panels do not check for herpes unless you specifically ask for them. My boyfriend got a panel done a few months ago but they did not check for hsv so he got a specific blood test for it last Thursday, because I may have herpes. I've been diagnosed with many things from a walk in clinic, but I scheduled an appointment with a gyno next week.

    Next time you get the rash, you should go see a doctor to look at it. They can also run a swab test as well.

    Even if it is herpes, don't be depressed! It's only an annoying skin condition with a horrible stigma.

    • jose44866
      jose44866 Laurabe

      Posted

      Thank you the Dr said it would be checking for everything since she noticed I was very worried when I went in. She also took a look down there because I told her I had slight redness, she said it didn't look like any std. I do plan on going in next time the redness appears, just have to hurry before it disappears. Why do you think you may have it? As for the anxiety and depression I can't help it , I cry myself to sleep sometimes and whenever I'm alone.

  • FelizCastus
    FelizCastus jose44866

    Posted

    If this were truly a first primary outbreak, you'd expect worse symptoms, plus 4 weeks is on the very late side. Usually first outbreaks occur within the first week, sometimes two weeks, of exposure. Four weeks would be less common. I would not worry so much, and should it return, get it swabbed asap if you're still concerned.

    • jose44866
      jose44866 FelizCastus

      Posted

      Thank you FelisCatus I will try to get it swabbed, but I think my Dr mentioned I couldn't get a swab test if there were no sores present. Can I get a swab test without sores? I'm very concerned I can't control my anxiety.

    • FelizCastus
      FelizCastus jose44866

      Posted

      If you can find a clinic that can do a pcr swab for herpes, then that is very accurate, and so long as there is something visible to swab that should be fine, but some doctors may still insist on a typical outbreak to swab. You may have to practise your powers of persuasion!
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.