[Question #11173] Herpes Risk
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16 months ago
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Hi Doctor, we've talked in the past. I'm a 30 year old male. I received a positive HSV2 IGG reading of 2.59 back in 2021. A few weeks after that diagnosis I came down with mono. Would also like to mention that earlier in 2021 I had may small bumps in my pubic region, above the shaft of my penis up to approximately 3" south of my belly button. My urologist believed them to be molluscum. They lasted like 3 months. I know that I have to do the confirmatory western blot to rule out HSV2. I have a couple of questions, as I've finally met a girl that I really like and I don't want to infect her.
1. I used to frequently see CSW's but I always use a condom, literally without fail, what are the chances that the outbreak I had was actually molluscum contagiosum and not HSV2? Does HSV2 infect that high up?
2. I've never had an outbreak outside of that episode I described but I do feel like I get burning sensation in the pubic region and tingles in my testicles, could this be prodrome associated with HSV2? Or does an outbreak always ensue after prodrome symptoms.
I'm heartbroken because this girl is such a sweetheart and I'm most definitely going to tell her if I come up positive. I'm fearful the poor decisions of my past may have potentially affected a wonderful future with a special person. Thank you for everything.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
16 months ago
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1. I used to frequently see CSW's but I always use a condom, literally without fail, what are the chances that the outbreak I had was actually molluscum contagiosum and not HSV2? Does HSV2 infect that high up?
Herpes lesions would not last for three months, but molluscum certainly could.
2. I've never had an outbreak outside of that episode I described but I do feel like I get burning sensation in the pubic region and tingles in my testicles, could this be prodrome associated with HSV2? Or does an outbreak always ensue after prodrome symptoms.
Many people get tingles and burning in the genital area but few actually test positive for HSV.
And yes, until proven otherwise, you are positive for HSV 2. If you really want to be honest with this new partner, get the blot and find out for sure if you do or do not have HSV 2.
Terri
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16 months ago
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Hi Doctor,
More follow up.
1. All my encounters were one time encounters and I always used protection (heterosexual). What sort of probability are we talking about for the acquisition of HSV2 given these conditions.
2. Is it possible to contract HSV2 in the area that I described, pubic area 2" above base of penis to 3" beneath belly button. That's where I had the bumps, which I believe to be molluscum, appear. I've never had a sore or anything appear anywhere on my penis.
3. Is it possible to contract molluscum and HSV2 simultaneously?
4. The anxiety of potentially being positive is overwhelming. Is it possible to expedite the testing process if I were to fly to Washington?
5. My HSV1 readings were 2.51 IGG, could this maybe trigger my HSV2 reading?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
16 months ago
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1. All my encounters were one time encounters and I always used protection (heterosexual). What sort of probability are we talking about for the acquisition of HSV2 given these conditions.
Condoms reduce transmission from females to males by 65% and about 1 in 4 women have HSV 2, so you do the numbers.
2. Is it possible to contract HSV2 in the area that I described, pubic area 2" above base of penis to 3" beneath belly button. That's where I had the bumps, which I believe to be molluscum, appear. I've never had a sore or anything appear anywhere on my penis.
It is possible to have recurrences there, yes, but a primary would show up in the location of the original exposure.
3. Is it possible to contract molluscum and HSV2 simultaneously?
Yes
4. The anxiety of potentially being positive is overwhelming. Is it possible to expedite the testing process if I were to fly to Washington?
Yes, that would expedite it greatly!
5. My HSV1 readings were 2.51 IGG, could this maybe trigger my HSV2 reading?
High HSV 1 index values are more likely to cause false positive HSV 2 values than are low ones, but both could be true - cross reactivity with HSV 1 can be the cause of false positives for HSV 2.
Terri
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16 months ago
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Hi Doctor,
I understand this is my last permitted round of questions.
1. So HSV2 can penetrate the pubic mound?
2. What do I need to do in order to schedule the testing in person in Washington? I can fly there at the end of this week or early next. I want to get this over with.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
16 months ago
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1. So HSV2 can penetrate the pubic mound?
No, that skin it too thick for virus to penetrate with a new infection, but recurrences could show up there.
2. What do I need to do in order to schedule the testing in person in Washington? I can fly there at the end of this week or early next. I want to get this over with.
If you want me to be the provider ordering the western blot, you would need to set up an appointment with me for a telehealth visit at westoverheights.com. You will need a clinician to order the test. Your own provider could also order the test for you and you could download the order form from the University website. You would take that lab order with you to the lab at UW and they would draw your blood and process it and send results to the provider who ordered the test.
Terri
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16 months ago
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Awesome. I will set up an appointment with you today.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
16 months ago
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OK, sounds good.
Terri
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