HSV Clarification

[aljm]

Dear Dr. Hook,
My computer crashed.  I lost my info. So, I had to do a new login. My previous info was under ALM38. I need a clarification of info shared with me by my counselor.  He is anxious to have a diagnosis for me.  He said he shared my condition with a doctor friend who suggested to him that I might inquire about the following:  Could I have contracted HSV1 through the unprotected oral contact I had.  The virus might have settled in my penis - thus the red
sore on lip of my penis.  In addition, he said that the virus could have travelled and settled in my colon causing the constipation, clear discharge and flatulence. I did see my uro md who said that he didn't believe I have HSV2 but if I would feel better mentally he could do another blood test ( I presume it would be antibody) to see if we get different results.  I would appreciate your opinion on all of this.  Once again,  many thanks in advance.

[Edward W Hook, MD]

I do not have access to your earlier post but will address the questions you ask.  HSV is acquired by direct contact and rarely, very rarely, can then be spread to other sites on the body, this occurring only at the time of initial infection.  Thus, if you had HSV on your mouth or acquired it through oral contact with another person, the infection would not "spread" to other parts of your body to cause infection and infection would be indicated by the presence of lesions.  If you are concerned about a lesion, the right way to diagnose it is with a PCR test or a culture, not with a blood test.  

The concept that HSV might travel through your body and "settle" in another part such as the colon to cause your GI symptoms is not biologically plausible.  

If you need blood tests, that is your call. We typically do not recommend them unless it will help to answer a specific question.  EWH

[aljm]

Thanks, Dr.Hook. I'll get back to you after my colonoscopy.  I'll get into more detail about the red spot on the lip of my penis.  I explained it in previous posts but will go over it again to help you understand the situation. I just don't want to do tests do make me feel better "mentally." I agree with you that if I do them I expect some answers.  Take care.  Talk with you soon.  Thanks again.