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Tested negative for Herpes with a PCR test despite symptoms..can I trust it? What else could cause?

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Snazjaxx
Snazjaxx

Hi everyone,

I recently had a large Ulcer appear on my vulva, around the same time I felt unwell for around 24 hours (run down feeling, headache, feeling hot). I have added some pics.

I got to a sexual health clinic within a day of spotting the ulcer and was swabbed / blood tested for all STIs. The clinician said she thought it was Herpes because it is super common etc after a quick look. At this point the area was sore and inflamed, however at no point did I have 'typical' (based off my research!) visible symptoms - eg vesicles , little blisters, clusters of spots , itching etc . I was shocked as me and my partner have been monogamous for a year, haven't dated much, neither of us have had any symptoms (ever!), although I know it can sometimes be dormant for years.

All of the results came back negative, including negative for Herpes 1 and 2. The test used was a PCR test (not a culture) which I have read is very accurate (98%) and can even detect herpes after healing starts and I was swabbed v much at the peak .

I called to ask about the results and spoke to one of the STI clinic advisors who work there / who man the phones (not the doctor who had seen me) who did not seem interested in investigating the cause of the problem and said if it comes back we will just test again for herpes! not very reassuring ...

I would really like some peace of mind , do you think I should trust the test results? I also want to hear if anyone has any ideas as to what else it could have been??

Thankyou

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0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • ember40184
    ember40184 Snazjaxx

    Edited

    this looks just like mine! i got tested and have not received results yet i will keep you posted but I'm so glad yours is negative for you. You can see mine on a post a few up from yours. It's so crazy i have also been with a partner monogamous for five years and my doctor said well I could have been exposed at some point. Appointment with my ob today as well.

    • ember40184
      ember40184

      Edited

      dr said she would be surprised if it was herpes cause when she scraped it for culture it didnt bleed. but the culture is the ultimate answer.

    • Snazjaxx
      Snazjaxx ember40184

      Posted

      thanks so much for your reply!

      did you get your results back?

      I feel kinda in limbo at the moment like I don't know whether to trust the negative test or not when I had symptoms...

      let me know how you get on?

      thanks

  • Snazjaxx
    Snazjaxx

    Posted

    @FelizCastus Have you got any ideas ? this is driving me insane ... sorry, you must get @ all of the time but you seem super knowledgable on the subject

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