Potential Exposure, No sore, urethra pain and tingling

[ScaredF1920]

I had a potential exposure two weeks ago from unprotected oral sex and 4 days after had tingling in my genitalia and legs and eventually developed some pain when urinating and red urethra, as well as fatigue. I did not have any open lesions or blisters whatsoever and was tested for STDs other than herpes. I went to a urologist who prescribed antibiotics which didn’t seem to really help, but about 10 days later my symptoms have resolved. Some tingling and burning was present throughout but would come and go from day to day.

Does this sound like an infection to you with no sores? I believe I had a cold sore about 15 years ago, so may have some form already.

[ScaredF1920]

I should add, I’ve also had difficulty getting an erection during this time. Not due to pain or anything, just has been difficult and have had some lower abdominal soreness.

[ScaredF1920]

Lastly, I’m concerned this could be HSV1 reinfection as I’ve seen some studies and I have mild to no symptoms/have already had a cold sore. Thanks for your thoughts!

[Terri Warren]

HSV 1 infection in a new area after an established oral infection is very rare. I’ve seen it happen once in 40 years in my practice. If the symptoms got better on antibiotics, it could likely have been bacterial.

Terri

[ScaredF1920]

Thanks. Is there any chance this is herpes with no apparent sores? Is HSV2 from oral common?

[Terri Warren]

People can get HSV without symptoms, yes, but acquiring HSV 2 from receiving oral sex would be extremely rare _ I’ve never seen it nor heard of anyone else seeing it.

Terri

[ScaredF1920]

Thanks, one more question. So I got a test ~5 weeks post exposure which came back with 8.0 antibody level for HSV1 and negative for HVS2. If I were to have a genital infection, is it likely to be HVS1 and is 8.0 a value that could be expected after 5 weeks or would this indicate a longer dormant infection.

My sense is it’s unlikely to be HVS2 related given negative test and source being oral sex only.

[Terri Warren]

The 8.0 HSV 1 result could be from your cold sore 15 years ago, and likely is. I doubt that you have genital HSV 1. I think HSV 2 infection is unlikely, given it was oral sex only, correct. If you develop sores, have them swab tested. Not much else to do besides that at this point, I don’t think.

Terri

[ScaredF1920]

Thanks. If I wait until 6 weeks and take another IGG is that likely to be relatively accurate at the timeframe? I have taken no antivirals so would expect antibodies to form more quickly.

[Terri Warren]

Eight weeks should give you adequate time for an HSV 2 result, yes

Terri

[WYdogmom]

So 8 weeks total given no antivirals and low risk of hsv2 from oral? Thanks again!

[Terri Warren]

You’re welcome

Terri

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