[Question #386] HSV 2/HPV

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106 months ago
Hello. In the summer of 2009 I had unprotected sex with a Women. I thought I contracted Genital Herpes, however my healthcare provider told me it was not although he did prescribe me farmocyclovir or one of the medications similar to this. At a later consultation, he said that as far as we can tell it is not HSV 2 (so there may be some degree of doubt).  He is a General Practitioner and is not a dermatologist so skin care is not his specified field obviously. Approximately three days to one week after engaging in Sex in 2009, my penis became red and had small red bumps. Shortly thereafter, I had what appeared to me to be a HSV 1 cold sore around my lip.  I have been tested in 2009 and tested again this year in 2015 using the IgG test for HSV-1 AND HSV-2. The results came back <0.90 for HSV 1 and HSV 2 <0.90. Since 2009 I have had small red bumps on my penis that make my dick constantly numb and sometimes itchy. This has had a detrimental impact on my psychological health and sex life in general. I would like to know your opinion on this matter as to my penis and what to do in this matter. Thank you very much for your time. I greatly appreciate it.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
106 months ago
I think you should believe the HSV 2 results as accurate. 
How often are you getting the red bumps on your penis?  Do you have any other rashes in the groin area that come at the same time?  Has anyone looked at these bumps besides your GP?  Was any swab testing done of the bumps? Do they have a hair coming out of them?  Did you stop taking the medication at some point?

Terri
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106 months ago
They have only occurred once since the time of intercourse in 2009. After that no more. I have no other rashes in my groin area. A urologist looked at my area and said I'm fine. I've been tested for all other stds in 2009 and now in 2015. All negative. They are bumps and not lesions, so no swab was taken. There are no hairs taken out of them. I took the medication in 2009, but stopped. It did not work. It's correct to say that I have no stds. Right? By the way, the bumps/red area is on the tip of my penis.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
106 months ago
Good that it has only happened once since.  I wondering if you would look up balanitis and associated images - this is inflammation of the head of the penis and it is mostly caused by fungal infection.  I am very confident that you don't have HSV 2.  The test for HSV 1 misses one of four infection, compared to the gold standard western blot but I doubt that that is what caused your bumps. 

Terri
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106 months ago
I've looked up Balantis. It seems to be that this is it. Seeing as how I have practiced safe sex since then and all the tests have been negative, it's obvious I don't have HSV 2. Thanks for the help. Any other thoughts or concerns based on my information? I'm going to see a dermatologist once I'm back in my home province. I live in Canada by the way.
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
106 months ago
No more information except to say that balanitis is common in men and is usually associated with intercourse with a woman who might have an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina.  But some men, in my experience, are really really sensitive to any amount of yeast, even if it causes the woman no concerns.  That could be you.  And no, with 98% certainty, no HSV 2.

Terri
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