Negative Test - Herpes Prodrome?

[QueenB]

Hi everyone!

 

I joined H opportunity under the assumption that I had HSV II - Now I'm not so sure. Any advice and info you guys could provide would be awesome - although I warn you, it's a complicated story:

 

16 days ago I had unprotected sex with a new partner. 2 days after that I noticed genital sores that were almost internal, but not quite. I went into a clinic and had swabs taken - the practitioner saw the sores and prescribed Valtrex - I took a 5-day course of the Valtrex. She also took swabs. The sores healed up within a few days and 6 days later I got news that my swabs had come back negative for HSV I and HSV II. Around this time I started experiencing extreme itchiness in a different location. I went to see 2 practitioners. The first said it looked like a simple skin irritation - no sores or blisters - she took more swabs just in case. Later the same day, I saw a different doctor who said "yeast" and prescribed a topical steroid and anti fungal medication. I have been using the topical medication for 7 days now. 2 days ago I started experiencing tingling sensations all over my genital area, but not in the area that sores were noticed. There are no sores or blisters developed in the area that tingles, and have been no sores since those noticed 14 days ago.

 

My question is, I suppose, is how likely is it that I have HSV II, if swabs taken within 72 hours of sores developing came back negative? Also, how likely is it that these are prodrome symptoms? And finally, if I have sex using a condom while experiencing this tingling, how likely is it that I'm going to infect my male partner (provided that I have HSV II)?

 

Any help you could give me would be very awesome. I can't tell if I OBVIOUSLY have HSV II and am just in denial or if I legitimately shouldn't be worried/stop having sex.

[WCSDancer2010]

QueenB

 

First - Welcome! Hope we can help you to deal with your situation.

 

So the answer is.... we don't know.... Herpes is a slippery little bugger and he doesn't play by rules much. Given your symptoms I would practice EXTREME caution for awhile - it can take 4-6 months for you to get enough antibodies in your system to get a solid diagnosis. I would also go to an OBGYN and not a clinic or family Dr. They are often notoriously out of date with their info.

 

Given how quickly you healed, I wonder...did you use some kind of lube/toy/etc that might have caused an allergic reaction?

 

Regarding sex with condoms, I'd say no in your instance until you figure this out. Especially if you are having symptoms. This handout has the stats for shedding as well as how condoms and antivirals will affect your risk... BUT those numbers are assuming you are not having symptoms. http://bit.ly/h-opp-disclosure-handout

 

I would strongly suggest that before you have sex again, you get VERY well informed about STD's (not just Herpes) and how to avoid transmission (giving OR receiving). Condoms do NOT completely protect you from HSV or HPV .... they only give partial protection ... contrary to what we are taught in Sex Ed :/

 

I would also strongly suggest you ask your new partner to get tested - that may be the fastest way to get a better idea about your risk - if he is negative then it's less likely you have Herpes but I would still get a blood test to confirm... (sounds like noone blood tested you yet... tho if you were just exposed it won't show up for 4-6 months ...BUT if your partner is H- then you likely got it awhile back and just triggered it to show up)

 

(((HUGS))) - Hope this helps ... I'm not sure if I was clear but I'm trying to play catch up here so if you have any questions I'll try to clarify :)

[QueenB]

Thanks so much!

In response to your question:

I didn't use anything that might have caused an allergic reaction, however, the partner I was with was quite a bit more sizeable that I'm accustomed to, and the clinic practitioner I saw said that the sores did not look like blisters and may have been a result of inadequate lubrication/tearing.

Unfortunately, it would take me months to get in to see an OBGYN, and blood tests for HSV aren't generally given where I live in Canada, I have asked.

In order for my partner to be tested, he would need to experience an outbreak and have swabs taken. He has never had an outbreak, or any other noticeable HSV symptoms.

I think I will try to be cautious and ride this out, keeping a close eye on my body and how it responds.

 

Thanks again for the input - and I am open to more!!

[WCSDancer2010]

GAWD I HATE this whole crap about not testing unless you have symptoms!!!!! AAAARGGGHH!!!

 

That is EXACTLY why so many people get this virus!!!! ~X( ~X( ~X(

 

Keep us posted :)

[QueenB]

Thanks for all your help and advice!!

 

Update:

 

I went to the doctor again today, and she said there is no way they will do blood tests for HSV where I live. The only way they would do it is if I were sent to an infections specialist if I were having really really severe symptoms and needed very special attention and care.

She also said that I need to relax and stop googling and driving myself crazy (lol) because she couldn't see any abnormalities when she examined me. This was a relief, but I still hate being in this limbo state!

[WCSDancer2010]

If you really want to get tested, try Planned Parenthood - you may have to pay out of pocket but they have a sliding scale fee system...

 

*sigh*

 

We really have to get into their THICK heads that not testing is causing the spread to people who are then emotionally devastated when they get an OB.... that their *reasons* for not testing (supposedly the mental anguish that comes with a + result) is actually causing MORE mental anguish. SMH

[QueenB]

Hehe, we don't pay for health care in Canada.

 

I hear you! In my case, blood tests wouldn't come up positive yet anyways. Thanks for all your advice though, I appreciate it!!

[HerryTheHerp]

You don't pay for health care in Canada? Ever seen your tax bill...