Should I seek a blood test?

[newtothis22]

After having sex the other week I started having STI symptoms including red spots and rashes and white heads on my penis. There wasn’t really any pain but it was a little uncomfortable. I then spotted a wart too. I’ve been to the clinic today and the nurse said I have warts and froze them but she couldn’t comment on the other symptoms because the white heads had popped and already began healing. 

Herpes wasn’t mentioned but I worry that these could have been a symptom. I’m aware it takes longer to show up once exposed but maybe I already carried it and the sex triggered an outbreak? I had what I thought was herpes in summer too but the doctor diagnosed it as Molluscum.

The NHS doesn’t provide a blood test free of charge so the only way of knowing would be to take one privately but even then I wouldn’t be able to tell if it was oral or genital herpes. So is it worth me taking one anyway? My fear is that if I disclose to a girl that I previously had warts, she understood but then caught herpes from me as well then I would feel terrible. 

The thought of having two incurable STIs scares me but what scares me even more is the thought of passing them on to someone. 

[Jenn88]

We all love worh the fear of passing it on to others. It’s a normal thought and feeling. I would go for blood work just to ease your mind. Bc not knowing will only drive you crazy 

[sarahsfocus]

I agree Jenna88 that's the only way to know.  if you all don't mind me saying everyone should know there herpes statues. I hope everything is ok Newtothis22 I really hope your negative. take care Sarah.

[Uklad]

Normally I would say listen to experts and only get a swab test. But if your already diagnosed with a life long condition you may as well go for a full panel check and pay for blood test. Sorry this happened to you. Make sure you take care of you whatever the result I’d suggest medication and counselling it worked for me good luck 

[newtothis22]

@Jenn88 @sarahsfocus

You’re both right it’s good to know your status despite there being so many people walking around oblivious to the fact they carry the virus giving it to people like me.

@Uklad

I agree that I would just leave it as that but knowing I already have HPV which will affect future relationships I may as well find out if I carry HSV as well. It’s come at a difficult time, final year of studies and just finding out the girl I like actually likes me back but being unable to do anything because of my diagnosis. Therefore I think I’ll need all the help I can get. Thanks for the kind words.

[sarahsfocus]

hey Newtothis22 you said you have hpv do you mind if  I ask if you have the kind that clears or the kind that stays with you? my sister had hpv and thank God her's cleared up before 6 months.I hope things go well for you. Sarah

[newtothis22]

@sarahsfocus

Well they found a genital wart which shows I have HPV, I think the virus can clear from the body but I will never know if I still carry it or not because they don’t test it in men I was just diagnosed by symptoms

[Jenn88]

I just found out  I have HPV AS WELL 

[sarahsfocus]

hey Jenn88 so sorry to hear that.my sister had hpv as well. thank God her hpv cleared up. will yours clear up as well Jenn88? newtothis22 can't they do a blood test to see if you still have this or not? take care Sarah

[Jenn88]

I honestly don’t know bc she didn’t even mention HPV to me yesterday we didn’t talk about it all she told me over the phone a week ago

[newtothis22]

@Jenn88

Which strain of HPV do you have? There are multiple and only a few cause genital warts

@sarahsfocus

They don’t do a HPV blood test, just a smear test for females but this is to detect the high risk HPV which can cause cancer. 

Bit of a tricky one because I don’t know whether to disclose in years to come like “I had a genital wart 5 years ago” when the virus is most likely gone and most people carry it anyway. But if I have herpes too disclosing both will be very difficult :( 

[Jenn88]

No idea. They didn’t tell me but they didn’t mention warts either 

[sarahsfocus]

Jen88 what makes you think you have hpv? If you have never been diagnoised?I don't know what to tell you Newtothis22

[Jenn88]

They said my pap came back abnormal with positive hpv but no one told me what strand 

[sarahsfocus]

I would be calling and finding out.but that's me.im sure as time goes by you will know.

[Jenn88]

I don’t even care anymore to b honest. Like I’m just so done.  I’m over it . I have been so depressed for days now I don’t even care. I’m ready for it to b over 

[sarahsfocus]

well you know how you feel. I really hope though you have the kind that clears up. your in my prayers Sarah.

[blurneworder]

On 11/19/2018 at 3:29 AM, newtothis22 said:

After having sex the other week I started having STI symptoms including red spots and rashes and white heads on my penis. There wasn’t really any pain but it was a little uncomfortable. I then spotted a wart too. I’ve been to the clinic today and the nurse said I have warts and froze them but she couldn’t comment on the other symptoms because the white heads had popped and already began healing. 

Herpes wasn’t mentioned but I worry that these could have been a symptom. I’m aware it takes longer to show up once exposed but maybe I already carried it and the sex triggered an outbreak? I had what I thought was herpes in summer too but the doctor diagnosed it as Molluscum.

The NHS doesn’t provide a blood test free of charge so the only way of knowing would be to take one privately but even then I wouldn’t be able to tell if it was oral or genital herpes. So is it worth me taking one anyway? My fear is that if I disclose to a girl that I previously had warts, she understood but then caught herpes from me as well then I would feel terrible. 

The thought of having two incurable STIs scares me but what scares me even more is the thought of passing them on to someone. 

Do you still think you have HSV or have you tested positive for it?

[newtothis22]

@blurneworder

I'm still unsure, I've not been told my symptoms are herpes-like by the doctor and haven't been asked to take a test it's just my own worries that are pushing me towards one

[blurneworder]

Keep this thread updated when after you get swabs and or blood tests. I had similar symptoms to you after unprotected sex and oral.

[sarahsfocus]

For your piece of mind you should ask to take the test.sarah.

[newtothis22]

@sarahsfocus

I’d have to pay for a blood test and it’s quite expensive so I’d prefer a swab test if any more white heads appear. Plus a blood test can’t distingush between oral and genital so I don’t want to be left even more confused than I was. It’s a tricky one! 

[sarahsfocus]

well do what is best for you. you know how you feel.