Herpes ?!!pt 2

Posted , 4 users are following.

If you were apart of my other discussion, this is a sort of update on how it looks. im super scared and the people on the last one were very friendly. im going to gyno tomorrow im hoping all goes wellimage

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    im hoping its ingrown hair or something due to my psiarosis

  • Posted

    So I am still pretty positive that this is herpes. Of course that's why I always say to go to the doctor for an official diagnosis, but I'd caution you in holding out your hopes for something else when what you're experiencing is what most people experience. Keep in mind that 80% of those who have herpes are entirely unaware that they have it, not just because some people do in fact have no outbreaks, but more so that people mistake their mild outbreaks as something else, "Oh I wore too tight pants last week... I had rough sex and I'm irritated down there...I was traveling a lot and couldn't shower regularly, etc." Those scenarios could be correct, or they could be just a glimpse into when we clearly know things are "off" down there, but we write it off as something else given the lack of knowledge in our society around herpes.

    OP let me state clearly that I am NOT a doctor. But I feel pretty dang positive that what you have going on is herpes.

    When you go to the gyno, if they will do it, request a PCR swab - tell them that some of your blisters have already begun scabbing. You can't take a viral culture swab from something that is already healing. However, a PCR swab is, I believe, 100x more sensitive than a simple viral culture. PCR is just the better way to go if you're already approaching or are past 48 hours from first visible symptoms.

    Don't forget for your visit:

    • Request blood tests for HSV-1 and 2. Some doctors are uninformed and think a genital infection always means HSV-2, but that is not the case. If this is your first outbreak, it will be negative. That will confirm you did not have HSV prior to these recent episodes.
    • The blood work needs to be a herpes IgG test. Do not let them give you any other kind of test. Some doctors insist on giving an IgM anyway, and the results can often read positive and it doesn't mean ANYTHING. Doesn't mean you're in transition, doesn't mean the infection is new, it means NOTHING when it comes to determining whether an adult does or does not carry the herpes virus.
    • Demand a swab of an active, leaking lesion (if you have one). If not, look if there's a fluid filled blister the doctor can pop to grab the fluid. PCR is preferred since you've had this for a few days and those are more sensitive, but if they refuse or want to just cover all bases...
    • Have them to a simpler (but less sensitive) viral culture swab as well.

    Don't leave the office without at least demanding all of these things. Some people really get caught on "how did I get this and who did I get it from and what does it mean for my future?" And working through the correct testing at the correct time can greatly help with a lot of that.

    And one last thing. The next time you're walking down the street, or watching TV and see someone with a cold sore, remind yourself, that's herpes. Don't forget the next time you're at the drug store and see Abreeva for sale, that's because of herpes. Herpes is annoying, and people are stupid about the stigma, but it is quite literally a virus that MOST of the world lives with, and the number just goes up as we get older. I'm probably misquoting, but I believe it is something like 80-90% of people will have some form of HSV1/2 by the time they're elderly. That really tells you something. Best of luck again!

    On the upside, this looks SOOOO mild, so try to look for the silver lining, I suppose 😃

  • Posted

    those sores do look healed up so its hard to say if its herpes , it does look like it could be a scab from an ingrown hair though

    herpes have multiple open sores

  • Posted

    i really wish you the best luck, but usually when you have an ulcer like that and it scabs over it's probably herpes.

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.