[Question #8951] Possible Herpes - Next steps
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37 months ago
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Currently in an open relationship . Tested neg for hsv 1 and 2 begininning of June. Exposure 1 on 6/15 condom protected sex. Exposure 2 condom protected sex on 6/20.
Symptoms - 6/21 notices “bruised” feeling deep in the base of penis - chalked it up initially to hernia I’ve had for years . Went on for 3 days. Also wore a tight cock ring for both encounters and thought it was be chafed from that. 6/25 I noticed what felt like a pimple (firm to touch in pubic hair above base of penis). 6/26 squeezed vigorously and clear fluid and blood leaked out. 6/27 looked like a cratered pimple. 6/28 it seems to be healing.
Of note I’ve been sweating a lot and hygiene has not been the best so could be pimple or folliculitis. Mainly only tender if I touch it.
I’m not where I can get this swabbed. 3 questions: 1) Would a blood test post symptoms be accurate? I know you typically need to wait 3 months. 2) any chance this isn’t herpes 3) if No blood test is accurate at this point what should I do next?
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
37 months ago
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I think there is an excellent chance that this isn't herpes! Herpes would generally present as a group of water blisters on a red base of skin, and you aren't describing anything like that. Condoms reduce transmission from males to males by 96%. We don't have male to male condom reduction stats but I would think it is similar (you don't state the gender of the people who you had sex with).
You could do a blood antibody test, IgG, now and repeat it at 6-8 weeks out but doing it this early would only give you a baseline value rather than picking up a new infection. But perhaps a baseline would be valuable for you to know.
Terri
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37 months ago
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Thanks for the prompt reply! I should have included more detail. These were female partners - I didn’t see any visible sores on either. As for the bump - it has more or less healed at this point. What scared me was that when I squeezed it vigorously clear fluid and blood came out , which I read was a sign of herpes. I suppose the same could also happen with other skin issues as well? Also I’m color blind so it’s impossible for me to tell what color the base is , ugh. I see no need to test right now, especially if you think the exposures were low risk. The internet is not a good place to try and diagnose one’s self !
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Terri Warren, RN, Nurse Practitioner
37 months ago
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The same could definitely happen with other skin issues. And generally, herpes blisters break open on their own rather than giving way when squeezed vigorously. They are fragile. Yours doesn't sound fragile at all to me.
I agree that sometimes the internet can lead you down paths that don't give you accurate answers.
Best,
Terri
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