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STDs (Expert Forum)
Advice and where to test
Answered by
University of Washington
Seattle - WA
This forum is for questions and support regarding STD issues such as: Chlamydia, Crabs (pubic lice scabies), Gonorrhea, Hepatitis (viral), Herpes, HPV, Molluscum Contagiosum, PID, Rectal Infections, Syphilis, Trichomoniasis, Warts, Yeast Infection.All questions will be answered by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D. or Edward W Hook, MD.
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Advice and where to test
by VictorSP, Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
10 months ago I had a sexual encounter that involved oral sex on me - from her - for a few seconds, some kissing and that's about it. Within 10 days, I had prostatitis. I have been on antibiotics for that since then (10 months ago) And a month later, a red rash on the shaft of my penis. It went after a few days. Saw a doctor - he said it's fungal. Used fungal cream. The rash went, but came again a couple of weeks later. Saw another doctor - he said, it's just fungal. Don't worry.
After a few months - 6 to be precise - of this, and continued prostatitis and stress - (and HIV, syph, etc tests on a regular basis, all negative) finally insisted I have a hsv test. It was for igm and igg - and I am based in China. Results came back pos for igg hsv I and pos for hsv II igm. I freaked out. Doctor said it may be wrong, and that at 6 months post exposure, I should be pos for hsv II igg if it's true. Repeated test twice over the next month. Same results. Saw several doctors - some said just accept it. Others said results may be wrong.
Still get the occasional rash on my penis. For a day or two. Three at most usually. No breaking of the skin. No itching. Just little red patch, or a few dots in an area.
Now I'm back in the UK, and wondering if I can confirm the results I had before. It is now 10 months post-exposure. Is there anywhere I can do the herpeselect test you recommend? What else can I do?
Thanks!
After a few months - 6 to be precise - of this, and continued prostatitis and stress - (and HIV, syph, etc tests on a regular basis, all negative) finally insisted I have a hsv test. It was for igm and igg - and I am based in China. Results came back pos for igg hsv I and pos for hsv II igm. I freaked out. Doctor said it may be wrong, and that at 6 months post exposure, I should be pos for hsv II igg if it's true. Repeated test twice over the next month. Same results. Saw several doctors - some said just accept it. Others said results may be wrong.
Still get the occasional rash on my penis. For a day or two. Three at most usually. No breaking of the skin. No itching. Just little red patch, or a few dots in an area.
Now I'm back in the UK, and wondering if I can confirm the results I had before. It is now 10 months post-exposure. Is there anywhere I can do the herpeselect test you recommend? What else can I do?
Thanks!
Doctor's Answer
by H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D., Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
, Jul 31, 2006 12:00AM
First and perhaps most important, you should totally ignore the HSV-2 IgM antibody test result. It does not indicate HSV-2 infection (search other threads for more discussion) and your symptoms in no way suggest herpes. However, I cannot tell whether your IgG test was type-specific, not knowing what tests are done in China.
Your plan/desire for a truly type-specific test, like HerpeSelect, is the right way to go. Britain's genitourinary medicine clinics are excellent, by and large; there are several in London and at least one in most other mid- to large urban area. Any GUM clinic will have access to type-specific HSV tests, and you can rely on a high level of expertise about herpes among the professional staff.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
Your plan/desire for a truly type-specific test, like HerpeSelect, is the right way to go. Britain's genitourinary medicine clinics are excellent, by and large; there are several in London and at least one in most other mid- to large urban area. Any GUM clinic will have access to type-specific HSV tests, and you can rely on a high level of expertise about herpes among the professional staff.
Good luck-- HHH, MD
HHH, MD
HHH, MD