Still Curious a year later

[Stillunsure]

Prior to my current scare I tested positive for HSV 1 via IGG in July of 2016. I previously had no symptoms and Dr. told me not to worry.

Fast forward to Feb of 2017 I start dating a new partner, over about 3 or 4 weeks we had unprotected sex 3 or 4 times. During our last encounter on March 5th 2017 I thought I felt a second of soreness during one or two thrusts but moved passed it and we finished. About 6 days later I noticed what I would describe as an inflamed rash around the perimeter of my penis glans, with a focus on the area where I felt sensitivity for only a second during sex. The inflammation quickly subsided in a day or two but left me with a slightly tingly or warm feeling in the area for months.

In the months that followed and still to this day there is almost always some redness there if I look very closely or spread my skin etc. Without fail some redness is brought to that area if I sustain an erection, masturbate or have sex – that appears to be the only “trigger.” Within hours, at most a day later the redness subsides but there appears to be one or two very small spots that are slightly raised at all times in the exact same spot, and inflamed during and after erections. For what its worth, now a year later the “symptoms” are less pronounced, but still there. Whereas in the first few months a greater portion of my glans would become inflamed and irritated after sex or masturbation, it is now very localized to a much smaller area.

I’ve taken no antivirals and tested for HSV 1(known positive) & 2 March 14th, then took separate HSV 2 IGG tests 5/27, 6/30, 11/30 through Labcorp all negative, and another IGG last week from Quest – all HSV2 came back negative.

HSV 1 IGG in 2016 was 8, but when I tested a week after these symptoms the reading was “high” at 59 – can a change in HSV 1 IGG ratings signify an early HSV 2 infection?

Sound like herpes? Could HPV be on the glans only like this? Could something fungal last this long? Suggestions?

[Terri Warren]

I suspect that either you used a different lab the second time or the lab changed test brands between the two tests. You could check. This does not sound herpetic to me and HPV can be on the glans only – a clinician could certainly tell you more about this.

Terri

[Stillunsure]

Thank you Terri.

The challenge is the inflammation comes almost only and always with the blood flow of an errection – during the erection and shortly after you can see the red spots and overall heightening of irritation that otherwise appears to be always there but more dormant. In terms of home remedies I’ve noticed coconut oil will help it subside more quickly. I feel as if I schedule a Dr. appointment there likely won’t be much to see on any given day. I presume only I could really notice because how much I’ve monitored.

I will schedule an appointment but based on my description and fact it is very much correlated to the increased blood flow of an errection, do you believe HPV would behave this way? Does it perhaps sound more fungal to you? Is there anything you would suggest I consider?

I was convinced it was HSV 2 for a year but am starting to accept now it’s not, although the fact it’s gone on this long is concerning. My other concern is passing it on to a new partner I’ve been seeing exclusively…she’s wanted to remove condoms but I don’t want to put her at risk not fess up to an STD I don’t have.

[Terri Warren]

No, I do not believe HPV would behave in this way but I’m not there and I cannot know if it is HPV or fungal but it sounds more fungal than wart-like. Have you ever shown this to a clinician?

Terri

[Stillunsure]

I have not yet shown this to a clinician primarily because the appearance of it is fairly short lasting and I was initially convinced both that it was HSV 2 and many Dr.’s apparently aren’t as informed on HSV testing as one would assume – so I was blood testing myself at recommended intervals (ie before and at 16 weeks) and then conservatively again at 9 months and a year later. At this point I think it’s safe to say I should believe the multiple IGG tests from both Labcorp and Quest if you agree?

I know this is my last post so I just also want to say thank you as this forum is by far the most informative and helpful I’ve found…in my stressful year of constant searching.

But I want some closure so my next visit is to the Dr., one I’m admittedly overdue for.

[Terri Warren]

I agree that you should accept the test results and move on. If you cannot do that, get the herpes western blot and be extra reassured. It might be worth it to you.

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Terri

• This reply was modified 5 years, 5 months ago by Terri Warren.

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