Aa
Unprotected Oral Exposure: HSV1 or 2?
30/M had mutual unprotected oral with female friend 7 days ago. HSV1&2 neg. prior to this. 2-3 days after started feeling a bit off. Neck & groin glands were slightly inflamed. General malaise.
Today (7 days later), found red, itchy area on right side of upper lip. Looks like three small bumps. Maybe lip is chapped, razor clipped it, OR start of a cold sore? Sore throat slightly present. Throat & inguinal glands are painful & inflamed. Getting random shooting nerve pains in groin & lower butt cheek areas. Tip of urethra is agitated (not sure if it’s start of a blister(s)?). No fever tho.
I’m worried I may have caught HSV1 or 2. She went through pretty serious chemo/cancer & a divorce in Feb. She has been super stressed but never showed any cold sore ever. Husband cheated on her & she had 2 oral sex-only partners last 9 mos (last 4 weeks ago). As of 2007, she was negative for both. Because of her cancer condition, she has a very weak immune system, so one would think she would show signs of HSV.
Last time I had an exposure like this, I had all the signs of HSV (including an equivocal test) but later turned out to have a positive mono-spot test (my 3rd time having mono- HS, college, early 09).I’m worried lightning won’t strike twice here.
1.Would malaise & inflamed swollen glands precede blisters? If positive, what order can I expect things to happen (& what should I expect)? 7 days too soon to judge?
2.Since I am HSV1&2(-) & this could be my first potential exposure, what are the odds I get it orally & genitally? 1/2 more likely?
3.Swollen glands in neck & groin suggest a virus, right? Does that also suggest infection both orally & genitally?
4.Am I at a greater risk because SHE has a compromised immune system & may have trouble suppressing HSV?
5.The past 2 times I’ve had oral relations with a female, I’ve had similar body reactions. Could I be sensitive to new bacteria or saliva? One would think though that symptoms would not still be present 7 days later
Today (7 days later), found red, itchy area on right side of upper lip. Looks like three small bumps. Maybe lip is chapped, razor clipped it, OR start of a cold sore? Sore throat slightly present. Throat & inguinal glands are painful & inflamed. Getting random shooting nerve pains in groin & lower butt cheek areas. Tip of urethra is agitated (not sure if it’s start of a blister(s)?). No fever tho.
I’m worried I may have caught HSV1 or 2. She went through pretty serious chemo/cancer & a divorce in Feb. She has been super stressed but never showed any cold sore ever. Husband cheated on her & she had 2 oral sex-only partners last 9 mos (last 4 weeks ago). As of 2007, she was negative for both. Because of her cancer condition, she has a very weak immune system, so one would think she would show signs of HSV.
Last time I had an exposure like this, I had all the signs of HSV (including an equivocal test) but later turned out to have a positive mono-spot test (my 3rd time having mono- HS, college, early 09).I’m worried lightning won’t strike twice here.
1.Would malaise & inflamed swollen glands precede blisters? If positive, what order can I expect things to happen (& what should I expect)? 7 days too soon to judge?
2.Since I am HSV1&2(-) & this could be my first potential exposure, what are the odds I get it orally & genitally? 1/2 more likely?
3.Swollen glands in neck & groin suggest a virus, right? Does that also suggest infection both orally & genitally?
4.Am I at a greater risk because SHE has a compromised immune system & may have trouble suppressing HSV?
5.The past 2 times I’ve had oral relations with a female, I’ve had similar body reactions. Could I be sensitive to new bacteria or saliva? One would think though that symptoms would not still be present 7 days later
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. No, the lesions you describe really do not sound like the vesicles of herpes. Perhaps the problem is your description. If you are concnerned, as I said before, go get seen by a health care provider.
2. This could happen with any kind of sore throat. It is in no way particularly suggestive of HSV.
3. One last time, for HSV to occur simultaneously at the mouth and genital (groin) regions, particularly without typical lesions would be vvery unusual.
4. Again, you should get this checked.
5. No.
Looking forward to hearing what the dermatologist says. EWH
2. This could happen with any kind of sore throat. It is in no way particularly suggestive of HSV.
3. One last time, for HSV to occur simultaneously at the mouth and genital (groin) regions, particularly without typical lesions would be vvery unusual.
4. Again, you should get this checked.
5. No.
Looking forward to hearing what the dermatologist says. EWH
Sorry, forgot one last question...
5. She had oral sex with a guy 24 days ago... however, she feels TOTALLY fine since then and hadn't thought anything of it. Could she have passed on something from him without her showing any symptoms? Or does it make more sense that she's had something for a few months (if anything at all).
I have an appt with the dermatologist Wed am (totally coincidental) so I will let you know how that does.
Thanks again.
5. She had oral sex with a guy 24 days ago... however, she feels TOTALLY fine since then and hadn't thought anything of it. Could she have passed on something from him without her showing any symptoms? Or does it make more sense that she's had something for a few months (if anything at all).
I have an appt with the dermatologist Wed am (totally coincidental) so I will let you know how that does.
Thanks again.
Doctor, this will be last post tonight...I will try not to be one of those "what if" people...
1. HHH has said before that a painful sore throat accompanies primary infection due to lesions. There are multiple red circles with white middles in the back of my throat (and just noticed on my uvula now too). None on cheeks or inner lips. At 7 days, this lines up pretty good with HSV1 though, doesn't it?
2. The canals that take my throat to my ears are really starting to hurt.
3. I could rationalize and say that the sores in my throat are due to strep or something... but how do I explain the relative groin swelling?
4. When I urinate, it's a little bit uncomfortable. Probably unrelated but have to mention it with #3.
When I felt like this before, it was due to mononucleosis. Don't think that's the case now. My guess/fear is that she unknowingly acquired HSV1... and by us making out and her giving me oral, it caused a simultaneous infection.
Guess this may just be a wait it out type situation huh? I'll know one way or another in about 2-3 days? The uncertainty and what ifs can really damage a psyche.
Thanks again.
1. HHH has said before that a painful sore throat accompanies primary infection due to lesions. There are multiple red circles with white middles in the back of my throat (and just noticed on my uvula now too). None on cheeks or inner lips. At 7 days, this lines up pretty good with HSV1 though, doesn't it?
2. The canals that take my throat to my ears are really starting to hurt.
3. I could rationalize and say that the sores in my throat are due to strep or something... but how do I explain the relative groin swelling?
4. When I urinate, it's a little bit uncomfortable. Probably unrelated but have to mention it with #3.
When I felt like this before, it was due to mononucleosis. Don't think that's the case now. My guess/fear is that she unknowingly acquired HSV1... and by us making out and her giving me oral, it caused a simultaneous infection.
Guess this may just be a wait it out type situation huh? I'll know one way or another in about 2-3 days? The uncertainty and what ifs can really damage a psyche.
Thanks again.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
What you are describing sounds less and less like HSV. If you are concerned you should go and see your regular docotor. It is most unlikely that this is HSV. EWH
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the Forum. I cannot deny that what you describe could be the earliest stages of an oral HSV infection - the timing is about right and initial HSV can be accompanied by a sore throat and swollen glands in your neck. Having said that., my guess is that this is not HSV. Here are the reasons why:
1. Your partner does not have HSV that you or she knows of and, in fact, she was known to NOT have HSV 2 years and perhaps two partners ago. This is an unlikely scenario for her to get HSV without knowing it, particularly in light of her fragile state of immunity. You cannot get HSV if your partner does not have it.
2. You might get HSV orally or genitally but it would be quite unusual to get it orally and genitally, manifest as discomforts and swollen glands at two widely separated locations, even when both have been potentially exposed during sex.
3. HSV does not cause the sorts of "shooting" groin pains you describe.
4. You have had this sort of reaction before and it was not due to HSV.
For all of these reasons it is unlikely that you have HSV from the exposure you describe. If you do , the lesion on your lip should mature to form a blister/cold sore. if it does this, you should go and get this cultured or have a PCR test performed ASAP.
As for your specific questions:
1. 7 days is compatible with a new HSV infection. Malaise and swollen glands can precede lesions. They can also be due to an enumerable number of other, community acquired viral infections.
2. Very, unlikely to have both sites infected simultaneously. If you did get HSV, HSV-1 would be most likely.
3. A virus perhaps, herpes no.
4. No!
5. Unlikely.
I feel a bit guilty answering your specific questions as I really do not think this will turn out to be HSV and I am concerned that my answers and the high degree of variability in the presentation of HSV will fuel your concerns when it is not likely that this is HSV. Should a lesion appear, get the culture or PCR test. Otherwise, I urge you not to worry. EWH
1. Your partner does not have HSV that you or she knows of and, in fact, she was known to NOT have HSV 2 years and perhaps two partners ago. This is an unlikely scenario for her to get HSV without knowing it, particularly in light of her fragile state of immunity. You cannot get HSV if your partner does not have it.
2. You might get HSV orally or genitally but it would be quite unusual to get it orally and genitally, manifest as discomforts and swollen glands at two widely separated locations, even when both have been potentially exposed during sex.
3. HSV does not cause the sorts of "shooting" groin pains you describe.
4. You have had this sort of reaction before and it was not due to HSV.
For all of these reasons it is unlikely that you have HSV from the exposure you describe. If you do , the lesion on your lip should mature to form a blister/cold sore. if it does this, you should go and get this cultured or have a PCR test performed ASAP.
As for your specific questions:
1. 7 days is compatible with a new HSV infection. Malaise and swollen glands can precede lesions. They can also be due to an enumerable number of other, community acquired viral infections.
2. Very, unlikely to have both sites infected simultaneously. If you did get HSV, HSV-1 would be most likely.
3. A virus perhaps, herpes no.
4. No!
5. Unlikely.
I feel a bit guilty answering your specific questions as I really do not think this will turn out to be HSV and I am concerned that my answers and the high degree of variability in the presentation of HSV will fuel your concerns when it is not likely that this is HSV. Should a lesion appear, get the culture or PCR test. Otherwise, I urge you not to worry. EWH
Doctor... while I was awaiting a response tonight, my throat stared hurting more. I took a flashlight to it and there are multiple white/red circles back there. I'm starting to get a bit more nervous...
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
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.
