What exactly does a "good" herpes culture consist of

[Ifeelyourpain22]

I had a large ulcer (size of a nickel) swabbed within 48 hours of finding it. Labia majora. This was the first time that ever happened. Anyways, a culture was taken from my lesion and I received a negative.  

Ever since though, I have been super super paranoid that the test was wrong, and have been basically living in the idea that I actually do have herpes even though the ulcer was negative.
So when I went to the doctor about a month ago for a physical, I asked her about the culture -- she pulled it up on the screen and said she got a really good test back from the ulcer/really good swab/culture. It also hurt when she had to take the culture, she had to like even use tweezers. So I'm wondering that concludes it would have definitely detected the virus then, if it was really Herpes?  I told her how paranoid I have been and she went on to say she really didn't think that's what it was.

Thoughts? Like, what would be included in an okay culture versus having a very "good" culture result come back?

Thanks so much for any input.

[Ifeelyourpain22]

So just tons of research since then? What are your outbreaks like?

[Fleetwood20]

I don't know how much knowledge I have, but I have had both types for a long time and just wanted to know more to benefit our kids.

[Ifeelyourpain22]

Okay, i'm believing in you Fleetwood!
Don't let me down! haha ;)
Thanks a bunch for your words!

By the way, not sure if this is too much to ask, but if you don't mind..how did you become so knowledgeable about HSV?

[Fleetwood20]

I'm confident :)

No I didn't mean that HSV-1 was a genital possibility as if it comes back positive it would indicate an oral infection from your youth.

[Ifeelyourpain22]

You're kind of like my Earth-god, Fleetwood. Lol. Thank you.

So you're how confident in that? and does that mean HSV-1 is still the possibility?

[Fleetwood20]

I know I'm tough with you, but like the paternal figure I pretend to be, it is for your own good :)

An ongoing pain is most likely most likely not related to herpes.

Don't fear the test, yes it is a bit scary to think there is your blood being tested, but it can't change what is in there.

You will be negative for HSV2.

[Ifeelyourpain22]

Sorry Fleetwood, I know I need to get the test. I am planning to set up a gyn appointment tomorrow. I just am trying to ease my mind in the mean time. Thank you for your responses.

Would pain on the left side of my vulva area for over a month, that I feel on most days, be a Herpes symptom?

[Fleetwood20]

I'm sorry but whichever way you try and look at this issue, you need a blood test to confirm your HSV status. There is no other way of engineering additional assurance. However good the culture, the virus may have dissipated by the time the swab was taken. The other possibility of course is that the lesion has nothing to do with herpes but you still carry the virus.

Only the blood test will give you the answer.