[Question #11707] HSV worry and confusions

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12 months ago

My first language is not English, so I will try to be as clear as possible.

I previously had an STI concern addressed by Dr. HHH, but this time it's about HSV-2. On July 8th, I had brief, protected vaginal sex in China (5 seconds max). The condom was intact, but I am unsure if the base of my penis was covered. I have been in a monogamous relationship for 15 years, and this was my only encounter. I feel very guilty and regretful.

On July 16th, I experienced tingling and a weird sensation on the tip of my foreskin, similar to a graze-like pain. However, I did not notice any rash, redness, blisters, or changes in skin color. I also did not feel nerve pain or have lymphadenitis in my groin.

On July 18th, I visited my GP (back in Oceania) and had a genital dry swab and a urine test for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. The urine test was clear, but the swab test was inconclusive. On July 23rd, I took another swab test for HSV-2 DNA PCR, but it was also inconclusive.

On July 28th, I developed a rash and blister-like spots around the coronal sulcus and inside the foreskin. There was no pain or sensation, and most redness disappeared in 2 days. Suspecting balanitis, I went to the GP today on July 30th and took another swab of the red area and a blister-like spot, placing it in a VTM tube, result awaiting. 

My questions are:

  1. Why were my two swabs inconclusive with different labs?
  2. Do my symptoms indicate HSV?
  3. Is it possible that I have genital HSV-1? (I tested positive for HSV-1 IgG in May 24)
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
12 months ago
PCR swabs are either positive or negative   I've never seen one called inconclusive.  There is something wrong there. 
If you had a blister-like spot inside the foreskin, then yes, that is concerning - anytime there is blistering on the male penis, it is worrying.  I'll be interested in the results of the swab test that you had done. 
Yes, it is possible that you have genital HSV 1. 

Terri
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