[Question #11707] HSV worry and confusions
12 months ago
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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:
- Why were my two swabs inconclusive with different labs?
- Do my symptoms indicate HSV?
- 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
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