Following up from my question a few days ago, I am concerned about herpes. I would like to understand what the risk is that I contracted herpes during my encounter. It was an unprotected vaginal sex encounter that occurred on June 28. I had a negative test for herpes on July 25 but I know that blood test results are not conclusive for a few months. I am concerned about a very small red bump on my vagina that I just noticed. I don't know if it's always been there or not. I also feel itchy on occasion. Can you please explain what the chances are that I have herpes? I did not see any symptoms on my partner? What are the chances of a false negative? Dr. Handsfield mentioned that herpes results at 4 weeks are 80-90%? Would I just now be starting to show symptoms? Thank you.

I think it is very unlikely that you would start having symptoms of herpes this last.  So let's assume this partner had herpes and didn't know it or didn't tell you.  Let's assume he's not on medication and we know you didn't use a condom.  If you had sex 104 times in a year under those circumstances, about 10 women in 100 would get herpes - maybe more since you didn't know.  So you can do the math - the risk is quite low with a single encounter.  Have you had someone look at the small red bump?

Terri
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No, I haven't had anyone look at it. I'm not sure if it's just a normal part of my vagina or not. It's very small and it might just be a red mark. I have been checking a bit obsessively for sores and I noticed it today.  I'm wondering if I'm just paranoid and wanted to clarify the risk here to help ease my mind.

It is TOTALLY common to have physical symptoms in response to anxiety.  And I think it's not even exactly that - it's that when you are anxious about having an STD, then you start to notice stuff you would never in a million years have noticed - I think that may well be the case here, Elizabeth, do you?

Terri
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Hi Terri:  I'm sorry for the delay in reply.  I actually have quite a bit of new information and have paid for a new question because I think I will require some followup.  But, no, I do not think I have herpes.

So are you going to post the new information?  Are you making a totally new post ?  I was waiting for you to add info.

Terri
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Hi Terri!  Yes, sorry I should have clarified.  I did ask an additional question and Dr. Handsfield addressed it for me.  Looks like I have interstitial cystitis as well as some cystic areas in my endometrium. I don't believe any of it is related to a sexual encounter; it was just unfortunate timing that it all developed at that time and made me quite anxious.  Thanks again for your help.

OK Elizabeth, sounds good

Terri
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