HSV question- depressed

[strk333]

Hi Drs,

I had protected sex but unprotected oral 7 months ago (no ejaculation). I went through severe anxiety thinking that I got HIV and herpes. I took a 8 panel test(HIV,Herpes,chalmydia,gonorrhea,syph illis,Hepb,hepc) after 7 months all of them were negative.

I got sick the next day after my encounter. After 2 weeks I got an ulcer in my mouth filled with clear liquid (I never got this before) but only stayed for couple of hours. I got ulcers in my pubic hair area after 4 months (may be hair follicle), stayed for a week but they didn't burst out.

I am constantly thinking that I got HIV and Herpes and gets sad and depressed. I suddenly get dizzy and tired everyday since my encounter 7 months ago. This has been happening since then. Am I feeling this because of anxiety?

I read in some posts that Herpes select blood tests (IGG) are not accurate if there is no out break, is that true.


Can I trust my negative herpes select HSV 1/2 IgG, Type Spec blood test results?


Is there a chance for any of them to become positive after 7 months?

Thank you for your help!

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

The worst kind of "evidence" is personal testimony from persons who make internet claims about rare and scientifically unlikely events.  You should ignore such testimony -- indeed, I would suggest you stop searching the internet entirely.  Like most anxious persons with a computer and an internet connection, you are being drawn to unreliable information that inflames your fears while missing the reassuring bits.

Your ferritin and stress notions are nonsense, reflecting your denial of the main psychological problem.  Don't react defensively; I suggest professional counseling (or at least a discussion with your PCP about it) from compassion, not criticism, and in the sincere belief it is best for your overall health.

In any case, there is no possibility of herpes or other STD, so that will end this thread.  I would love to hear a report of the outcome if and when you have followed up on potential counseling.  But otherwise this thread is closed to further comments.

[strk333]

Thanks for the reassurance Dr H.

I sincerely want to believe my test result and stop thinking about them but i am having hard time doing that. When I search internet i came across people saying that their test results turned positive after 8 or 9 continuous negative tests.

i think my low ferritin and stress are contributing to my dizziness and fatigue

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the forum.

I reviewed your discussion with Terri Warren on the herpes professional forum.  I agree with everything she said.  You can trust your test results:  you definitely did not catch herpes, HIV, or any other STD during your exposure several months ago, and no realistic chance any further tests would turn positive.  In addition, as you describe the exposure, it was extremely low risk for herpes and all other STDs.  Oral sex is low risk for all STDs and zero risk for some.

Your symptoms, the nature of your discussions on the herpes and community forums, and the titles you have chosen for your forum questions all point to the obvious problem here.  If not depression per se, it is obvious you have a potentially serious psychological problem.  I strongly recommend professional counseling.

Best wishes--  HHH, MD