herpes scare, please help

[asmuk]

Hello,

I am 30 year old make, living in the UK. 11 weeks ago, I had protected sex with an asian CSW. Except for a brief moment when the condom slipped off while I was coming out of her.

I was scared of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, I go the following tests done:

HIV DUO - 29 days, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks
HIV antibody test only - 11 weeks
Syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hep B, NSU, at 8 weeks
hep C at 10 weeks

All were negative.

I did not know what the standard STD tests did not include herpes, so at week 10 I asked the doctor for a herpes test. In the absence of any symptoms whatsoever for 10 weeks, he told me that it was unlikely I would have herpes, and asked for a urine sample to do a PCR test at TDL Pathology (which according to the doctor is the UK's best lab).

The result was negative (both 1, and 2). I then began to read that the PCR urine test is relatively new, and not much is known about it. I went on week 11 and asked for a antibody blood test.. The doc took a blood sample, and I am waiting for results to come from this test.

I have not been able to sleep for several nights due to anxiety, while the results will be available soon, I was wondering if anyone can tell me:

What is the likelyhood that i have genital herpes, given no symptoms, or outbreaks for 11 weeks, and a negative PCR DNA test?

my doc says the PCR test is quite accurate and covers a window of about 4 - 6 months before the date of the test.

Please, can any one help me, as I am unable to live a normal life due to fear.

Please, please help.

Regards,
John.

[asmuk]

I got a herpes antibody blood test done at 11 weeks, these are the results:

IMMUNOLOGY                  
HERPES SIMPLEX ANTIBODIES                                                                                                        
H.S.V. I (IgG)                Negative 0.910 Index (Pos = > 1.0)                                                                  
H.S.V. II (IgG)               Negative 0.255 Index (Pos = > 1.0)                                                                  
COMMENT :                     No serological evidence of HSV Type I & II                                                          
                              infection in this specimen                                      
                              ,,HERP                                                          
                              //HERPES ANTIBODY  


It seems I don't have herpes, but one day after the blood test results, I got a single tiny pimple (it could be a broken hair follicle) .

This thing, is not accompanied by anything else, and it is located close to the line joining the left leg to the torso

Now i am completely confused, is this herpes? should i go back to the doctor? I already got a PCR test at 10 weeks, and an IGG at 11 weeks both negative, and this one pimple like thing is the only "symptom".

Could this have something to do with the fact that I used a trimmer on my pubic area, and the next day this pimple showed up?


Please advise.

[asmuk]

I got a herpes antibody blood test done at 11 weeks, these are the results:

IMMUNOLOGY                  
HERPES SIMPLEX ANTIBODIES                                                                                                        
H.S.V. I (IgG)                Negative 0.910 Index (Pos = > 1.0)                                                                  
H.S.V. II (IgG)               Negative 0.255 Index (Pos = > 1.0)                                                                  
COMMENT :                     No serological evidence of HSV Type I & II                                                          
                              infection in this specimen                                      
                              ,,HERP                                                          
                              //HERPES ANTIBODY  


It seems I don't have herpes, but one day after the blood test results, I got a single tiny pimple (it could be a broken hair follicle) .

This thing, is not accompanied by anything else, and it is located close to the line joining the left leg to the torso

Now i am completely confused, is this herpes? should i go back to the doctor? I already got a PCR test at 10 weeks, and an IGG at 11 weeks both negative, and this one pimple like thing is the only "symptom".

Could this have something to do with the fact that I used a trimmer on my pubic area, and the next day this pimple showed up?


Please advise.

[daisy315]

There IS a difference between Herpes symptoms and an actual outbreak,symptoms are usually tingly and itchy in the area where an outbreak may or may not develop,not everyone experiences outbreaks but it is usually around 4days to one week after exposure although having no symptoms or outbreaks does not mean you have not been infected ......
As for the PCR test I personally would not be convinced by that type of testing and since you are in the UK you can go to an STD/GUM Clinic and have another test done quite easily.
It is doubtful that you have Herpes but for your own peace of mind have another test done it costs nothing for you to get the peace you clearly need from this incident and move on from it,if you don't you will just carry on stressing yourself when there is most likely no need at all for that ......

Daisy

[steve75]

yes pcr was negative 6 wks 12 wks and 20 wksall negative which dr did you see at which clinic, also had duo at same time negative but still concerned

[asmuk]

And were the results consistent? i.e the PCR and the others at different intervals?

[steve75]

i had same test done but did not have much faith in it so i got a herpes igg test done for 1 and 2 (specific) at tdl 6wks,12,wks,21,wks hopefully these are accurate enough.

[asmuk]

Hi,

I guess what I was trying to ask was:

1) Is there a difference between herpes symptoms and outbreaks? Do they mean the same thing?

2) As far as genital herpes is concerned, what is the typical time frame before the very first outbreak?

3) Does anyone know if the PCR test I had done at week 10, which came back negative  can be relied on?

Regards, J.

[protectedbutworried]

John, herpes is skin to skin and there is a risk of exposure.

It is considered that 80% of healthy people by 6 weeks will produce anti bodies and test positive if they have been infected. A study was taken the median time was 3 weeks. however some people take up to 4 months.

If your happy with 11 week test results which is quite assuring then i would say ur in the clear if it comes back neg.