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2 test or not to test (that is the question)
Before the question, let me thank GracefromHHP and Dr HHH and others for their posts. You are helping alot of people. My question is this: is the DNA/PCR blood test helpful in determining infection with the HSV2 virus? I've read conflicting information on this. There is clinical information posted online about the efficacy of this type of test and various labs offer it. So, a little clarification would be awesome. Oh, btw, I am completely new to this posting thing, so I hope I post correctly. Thanks!
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I wrote too soon. The doctor's office called today to tell me they took the swab with the wrong equipment and the lab can't do the testing. I am so bummed out. Meanwhile, inside my rectum is on fire. I want off the ride!!! I think I am swearing off doctors. Is there any way to tell if the pain i feel inside my rectum is herpes? I don't want to be too graphic but would i be able to feel lesions?
Hi. Hope you are having a great day!
This is a posting to affirm that persistence can pay off. I awoke this morning to pain in my urethra after what MAY have been prodome last night (major itching thighs, buttocks, and sharp pains going down my legs). I did a 'self-exam' and discovered what felt like two small bumps inside the urethra that hurt like heck when pushed on.... Anyway, I finally found a clinic (took me six tries including my PCP's office) that would order the Labcorp DNA/PCR swab test that is supposed to be superior to cultures. The specimen is off to the lab. You'd be amazed at how many doctor's offices aren't aware of this option and wont even consider ordering it despite the fact that you have the Labcorp and Quest information in hand! Anyway, i've read enough posts to know that these symptoms could very well be something else entirely. Or as you like to remind folks, every symptom isn't herpes related! So, I'm staying open-minded and covering my bases.
Peace!
This is a posting to affirm that persistence can pay off. I awoke this morning to pain in my urethra after what MAY have been prodome last night (major itching thighs, buttocks, and sharp pains going down my legs). I did a 'self-exam' and discovered what felt like two small bumps inside the urethra that hurt like heck when pushed on.... Anyway, I finally found a clinic (took me six tries including my PCP's office) that would order the Labcorp DNA/PCR swab test that is supposed to be superior to cultures. The specimen is off to the lab. You'd be amazed at how many doctor's offices aren't aware of this option and wont even consider ordering it despite the fact that you have the Labcorp and Quest information in hand! Anyway, i've read enough posts to know that these symptoms could very well be something else entirely. Or as you like to remind folks, every symptom isn't herpes related! So, I'm staying open-minded and covering my bases.
Peace!
Hi Grace!
I've been moving forward without too much trouble. Waiting on the 12 week mark so that I can get a test that will actually mean something. Meanwhile, I have a question. How safe is mutual masturbation for two guys (sero-discordant) when there are no visible signs of an outbreak? I've read that it really is pretty safe, but I'd like your opinion on it. I figure that hands are pretty thick skinned, so the virus doesn't have much of a chance. What are the odds/chances that if he handles me and i happen to be viral shedding and then handles himself that he will be infected? In the absence of something definitive on my HSV2 status, I'm trying to be careful w/ my man!!!!
I've been moving forward without too much trouble. Waiting on the 12 week mark so that I can get a test that will actually mean something. Meanwhile, I have a question. How safe is mutual masturbation for two guys (sero-discordant) when there are no visible signs of an outbreak? I've read that it really is pretty safe, but I'd like your opinion on it. I figure that hands are pretty thick skinned, so the virus doesn't have much of a chance. What are the odds/chances that if he handles me and i happen to be viral shedding and then handles himself that he will be infected? In the absence of something definitive on my HSV2 status, I'm trying to be careful w/ my man!!!!
Believe you me, I'm trying to not be hyperfocused and/or unduly anxious. At this point in the process, I am quite ready to be done w/ it all. I have a wonderfully romantic supper planned w/ my man tonight..... If only my body would cooperate. This morning, in the wee hours of the morning, I awoke to pain in my penis. It has been here most of the day. I'm wondering if this is a prodrome. If so, I want to be ready at the first sign of bumps/lesions inflammation to get to the clinic for a viral culture swab. The last time this happened was aproximately 30 days ago and then it hurt like hell. I'm not there just yet. I don't know if you'll see this and have time to respond, but if I do see something and go to the clinic, any advice on what to ask for?????
Hey Grace! How do I find a clinic or facility that offers the PCR testing of affected skin? Most places seem to utilize the viral culture method, which is supposedly unlikely to deliver an accurate result. I'd like to be prepared to go somewhere with the most up-to-date testing methods should I have an ob. Any suggestions? A google search hasn't been particularly helpful.
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You are reading content posted in the Herpes Community
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
since you had unprotected sex, you can test for syphilis anytime after 6 weeks post encounter and herpes, hiv and hepatitis after 3 months to properly cover your bases.
have you had your gardasil shots for hpv yet?