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Should I get tested?


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So much so that I am thinking my doctor is wrong. I had an encounter a little over 2 month ago, which I regretted after immediately. Right after I showered, and cleaned myself like crazy because the person I had sex with was untested. I used a condom but I know that doesn't protect you against herpes. 30 hours after the encounter I started feeling a tingling in my penis, particularly on the head of it. This tingling got worse over the next day or so before I started experiencing other symptoms about 3-4 days after the encounter. I started having issues with urinating very frequently, it also hurt to pee with a burning sensation and hurt for some time after, sometimes far worse than other times. I never itched during this time, although that isn't the stop of the symptoms I had. I started feeling dreadfully ill. I had muscle aches, body aches, and cold chills along with shooting pains near my butt and genital area. This lasted for about 3-4 days if I am remembering correctly. I also had issues where I was starting to get rashes around my genitals or if I masturbated. I had a few red spots appear on my penis after masturbating which made me immediately scared and I went to 3 separate appointments to have spots like them tested for herpes with a swab after. I've never had a sore that's tested positive.

Around 50 hours after the encounter I even visited my local health department to get PeP for HIV because I was concerned as I could not reach my doctor and started this medicine which I did finish and take correctly. After I finally got a hold of my doctor. He told me my concern was completely unfounded as I had nothing else besides what I've described above, he also advised me to stop taking the PeP although I did not listen to this advice. I've started anti-anxiety medication for this by my doctors recommendation.

I now am having what appears to be a 2nd outbreak in my eyes. I itched for about 3-4 days before I started having issues urinating again, although it is not as severe as last time, I am still extremely concerned. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday as I'd like to get tested but he is advising me against it as he claims I will be more anxious if the test does come back positive. I am scared for my future as I am only in my mid 20's and I don't know what my future is going to look like now. Has anyone gone through anything similar? I don't know what to do as I feel like my entire life is over if I do have it.

 

I am absolutely terrified. I've been to way too many doctors appointments and I've not been recommended to be tested by any of them for herpes via a blood test. I'm scared.

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@DoIHaveIt 

I hear you, and I get why you’re feeling so anxious right now. It’s tough when you’ve got all these symptoms and no clear answers. From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you’ve been super diligent about getting checked out, and it’s good you’ve got that appointment coming up.

Herpes can definitely cause anxiety, especially with symptoms like tingling, burning, and the rash you’ve mentioned. That said, your doctor’s advice seems focused on avoiding unnecessary stress, but it’s totally understandable that you’d want to get tested to ease your mind. A blood test could help clarify things, but keep in mind it may take time for antibodies to show up after an infection (up to 16 weeks), so testing too soon might not give you a definitive answer.

I’d recommend being open with your doctor about your concerns and discussing what kind of testing would give you peace of mind. In the meantime, try to take it one step at a time. You’re young, and whatever the outcome, herpes doesn’t define your future. It’s totally manageable, and with the right support and knowledge, you’ll be able to handle whatever comes your way. You’re not alone in this! Let us know how things go after your appointment, and we’re here for you in the meantime.

Take care, and stay strong!

This content is for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. I'm not a medical professional, so please take this as friendly peer support. 

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@DoIHaveIt If you already got a blood test soon after exposure, thats good because you have a baseline. Otherwise, if you really want to be as sure as possible and are not having any external/visible symptoms, wait a total of 12-16 weeks after exposure and get a Western Blot test. The Western Blot test is noticeably better than the conventional IGG Blood test at detecting HSV antibodies.

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